Engineered tyrosine ammonia lyase

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis and increasing tolerance to acidic pH levels. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

The present application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/705,656, filed Dec. 6, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Prov. Appln. Ser. No. 62/779,647, filed Dec. 14, 2018, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

The Sequence Listing written in file CX7-182US2D2_ST26.xml, created on Sep. 12, 2022, size of 5.27 MB, is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis and increasing tolerance to acidic pH levels. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL; also referred to as tyrase, L-tyrosine ammonia lyase, and “L-tyrosine ammonia lyase [trans-p-hyroxycinnamate forming]”), along with histidine ammonia lyase (HAL) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) are members of the aromatic amino acid lyase family (EC 4.3.1.23-1.25 and 4.3.1.3). The enzymes having TAL activity are currently classified in EC4.3.1.23 (previously classified as EC 4.3.1.5). TAL catalyzes the formation of p-coumaric acid from L-tyrosine.

Tyrosinemia (also referred to as “hereditary tyrosinemia,” and “hypertyrosinemia”) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated blood levels of tyrosine, due to the deficiency of an enzyme required for the catabolism of tyrosine in the liver. If untreated, tyrosine and other metabolites accumulate in the tissues and organs of affected individuals, resulting in serious medical issues. Tyrosinemia is an inborn error of metabolism inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. There are three types of tyrosinemia, each caused by the deficiency of a different enzyme. Currently used treatment methods depend upon the type of tyrosinemia involved. A low protein diet is often used.

Type I tyrosinemia (also referred to as “FAH deficiency,” “fumaryl acetoacetase deficiency,” “fumaryl aceotacetate hydrolase deficiency,” “hereditary infantile tyrosinemia,” and “hepatorenal tyrosinemia”) is caused by a deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, due to mutations in the fah gene. This is the most severe form of the disease, with symptoms usually appearing in the first few months of life, commonly including failure to thrive, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, jaundice, enlarged liver, the tendency to easily bruise, lethargy, irritability, fever, and other symptoms, such as a distinctive cabbage-like odor of the skin and urine. Some affected infants have repeated neurologic episodes of acute polyneuropathy, characterized by severe leg pain, as well as altered mental status, abdominal pain, and respiratory failure. Infants with the acute form are typically affected at birth and there is a rapid onset of symptoms that can lead to developmental delays, enlarged spleen, ascites, kidney disease, and blood clotting abnormalities. Untreated, it can lead to hepatic and renal failure, nervous system problems, and an increased risk of liver cancer (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma). In some cases, hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are present. If untreated, this disease can be fatal. In the less-common chronic form, the symptoms exhibit a more gradual onset and tend to be less severe. Affected infants initially exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged liver and spleen, and failure to thrive. Eventually, progressive liver cirrhosis occurs, leading to chronic liver failure, developmental delays, and renal Fanconi syndrome (a rare kidney disorder characterized by weakening and softening of the bones [rickets], vomiting, dehydration, weakness, and fever). In some cases, the most effective treatment has been full or partial liver transplant. Worldwide, this form affects approximately 1 in 100,000 human births (Genetics Home Reference, U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Type II tyrosinemia (also referred to as “keratosis palmoplantaris-corneal dystrophy,” oculocutaneous tyrosinemia,” “Richner-Hanhart syndrome,” “tyrosinemia due to TAT deficiency,” and “tyrosinema due to tyrosine aminotransferase deficiency,”) is caused by a deficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase, due to mutations in the tat gene. It affects the eyes, skin, and mental development. As with Type I tyrosinemia, symptoms usually begin in early life, and include excessive tearing, photophobia, eye pain and redness, and painful skin lesions on the palms and soles. About half of affected individuals have some level of intellectual disability. This form occurs in less than 1 in 250,000 persons (Genetics Home Reference, supra).

Type III tyrosinemia (also referred to as “tyrosinemia due to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase deficiency,” “tyrosinemia due to 4-hydroxyphenylpyuriv acid oxidase deficiency,” and “tyrosinemia due to HPD deficiency”) is a rare disorder, caused by a deficiency of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, due to mutations in the hpd gene. Symptoms of this form include intellectual disability, seizures, and intermittent ataxia. This form is very rare, only a few cases have been reported (Genetics Home Reference, supra).

There are additional cases in which there are temporary elevated tyrosine levels, due to non-genetic factors such as vitamin C deficiency or premature birth, which results in immature liver enzymes. Differential diagnoses are used to differentiate these transient cases from tyrosinema I, II, or III.

In addition to tyrosinemia, there are other diseases associated with insufficient or absent tyrosine metabolism. For example, alkaptonuria also referred to as alcaptonuria, is a disease caused by deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, which is an enzyme involved in tyrosine degradation. This enzyme is encoded by the HGD gene. Insufficient activity of this enzyme results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid. Excess homogentisic acid and related compounds are deposited in connective tissues, causing the cartilage and skin to darken. Over time, arthritis may result due to the accumulation of homogentisic acid and related metabolites in the joints of affected individuals. Homogentisic acid is also excreted in urine, making the urine turn black. Alkaptonuria is a rare disease that affects 1 in 250,000 to 1,000,000 people worldwide (See, Genetics Home Reference, supra).

Treatment of these diseases has largely been the life-long use of a phenylalanine-, and tyrosine-restricted diet. Treatment with nitisinone (NTBC; 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzol)-1,3-cyclohexane dione; Orfadin®) has been reported to be helpful for type I tyrosinemia and alkaptonuria, due to its inhibition of the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate oxidase pathway. However, NTBC must be used in combination with a challenging and costly phenylalanine-, and tyrosine-restricted diet to prevent both liver failure and carcinogenesis. There remains a need in the art for easy to administer, effective treatment(s) to ameliorate the symptoms of these diseases and allow patients to utilize normal diets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis and increasing tolerance to acidic pH levels. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides engineered TAL polypeptides (also referred to herein as “recombinant TAL polypeptides”) and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof having improved properties when compared to a wild-type TAL enzyme and/or a reference TAL polypeptide under essentially the same conditions. The invention is further directed to methods of using the engineered TAL polypeptides and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof in therapeutic and/or industrial compositions.

The present invention provides recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyases and/or biologically active recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase fragments comprising an amino acid sequence comprising at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution at position or set of positions selected from 79/95/107, 79/107, 79/107/410, 79/410, 95/107/184, 95/107/184/534, 95/184/534, 99/107/184, 107/184/534, and 107/401/534, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets at one or more positions selected from 79T/95A/107S, 79T/107S, 79T/107S/410K, 79T/410K, 95A/107A/184S, 95A/107S/184S/534S, 95A/184S/534S, 99H/107A/184S, 107A/184S/534S, and 107S/401P/534S, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets at one or more positions selected from S79T/K95A/V107S, S79T/V107S, S79T/V107S/P410K, S79T/P410K, K95A/V107A/Y184S, K95A/V107S/Y184S/A534S, K95A/Y184S/A534S, N99H/V107A/Y184S, V107A/Y184S/A534S, and V107S/A401P/A534S, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 28, 29, 33, 33/34/37/46/279/554, 33/34/37/90/554, 33/34/46/66/90/289, 33/34/90/289/554, 33/34/279/289, 33/66, 33/66/289, 33/66/289/554, 34/37/46/289, 34/37/66/279/289, 34/46, 34/56/90, 34/56/90/289, 34/66/289, 34/90/289/554, 34/90/519, 36/70/234/302/461/500, 36/79, 36/79/304/407, 36/79/407/461/500/531, 36/111/304/461/531, 36/407/461/500/531, 37, 46, 46/66/289/519/554, 49, 56, 66, 66/90/279/289/554, 66/90/289/554, 69, 70/79/234/361/407, 70/111/461/500/531, 70/304/407/461, 72, 79/111/234/361/500, 79/111/234/531, 79/111/361, 79/111/531, 79/304/361, 79/304/461/531, 79/407/461, 88, 90/289/519, 90/289/554, 131, 142, 198, 201, 272, 278, 279/289/554, 289/519/554, 289/554, 295, 304/361, 305, 350, 361/500/531, 461/500, 490, 491, 499, 510, 518, 519, 521, 522, 523, 524, 531, 540, 541, 544, 547, 548, 554, 557, 558, and 560, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 28A, 28C, 28G, 28N, 28T, 29A, 29E, 29G, 29R, 29W, 33D/34E/37S/46R/279S/554Q, 33D/34E/37S/90S/554Q, 33D/34E/46R/66N/90S/289R, 33D/34E/90S/289R/554Q, 33D/34E/279S/289R, 33D/66N, 33D/66N/289R, 33D/66N/289R/554Q, 33N, 34E/37R/46R/289R, 34E/37S/66N/279S/289R, 34E/46R, 34E/56G/90S, 34E/56G/90S/289R, 34E/66N/289R, 34E/90S/289R/554Q, 34E/90S/519P, 36V/70K/234H/302M/461M/500T, 36V/79T, 36V/79T/304G/407V, 36V/79T/407V/461M/500T/531D, 36V/111K/304G/461M/531D, 36V/407V/461M/500T/531D, 37A, 37D, 46R, 46R/66N/289R/519P/554Q, 46T, 49D, 49N, 56G, 56R, 66N/90S/279D/289R/554Q, 66N/90S/289R/554Q, 66R, 66S, 69S, 70K/79T/234H/361M/407V, 70K/111K/461M/500T/531D, 70K/304G/407V/461M, 72T, 79T/111K/234H/361M/500T, 79T/111K/234H/531D, 79T/111K/361M, 79T/111K/531D, 79T/304G/361M, 79T/304G/461M/531D, 79T/407V/461M, 88E, 88Q, 90S/289R/519P, 90S/289R/554Q, 131G, 131M, 131S, 131W, 142R, 198R, 201R, 272S, 278S, 279S/289R/554Q, 289R/519P/554Q, 289R/554Q, 295Q, 304G/361M, 305H, 350G, 361M/500Q/531D, 461M/500T, 490A, 490I, 490S, 490V, 491L, 491V, 499T, 510K, 518E, 518V, 519D, 519E, 519L, 519P, 519Q, 521D, 522G, 522K, 522R, 522V, 522Y, 523A, 523D, 523H, 523I, 523S, 524A, 524I, 524L, 524Q, 524T, 524Y, 531D, 540E, 540R, 541A, 544E, 544G, 544R, 544S, 547A, 547C, 547G, 547K, 547Q, 547R, 547S, 548A, 548G, 548K, 548Q, 548R, 548T, 554E, 554R, 554S, 554Y, 557E, 557R, 558A, 558D, 558H, 558S, 560G, 560M, 560R, and 560T, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from K28A, K28C, K28G, K28N, K28T, P29A, P29E, P29G, P29R, P29W, K33D/K34E/Q37S/L46R/Q279S/K554Q, K33D/K34E/Q37S/T90S/K554Q, K33D/K34E/L46R/Q66N/T90S/A289R, K33D/K34E/T90S/A289R/K554Q, K33D/K34E/Q279S/A289R, K33D/Q66N, K33D/Q66N/A289R, K33D/Q66N/A289R/K554Q, K33N, K34E/Q37R/L46R/A289R, K34E/Q37S/Q66N/Q279S/A289R, K34E/L46R, K34E/K56G/T90S, K34E/K56G/T90S/A289R, K34E/Q66N/A289R, K34E/T90S/A289R/K554Q, K34E/T90S/A519P, A36V/S70K/Y234H/R302M/L461M/C500T, A36V/S79T, A36V/S79T/E304G/S407V, A36V/S79T/S407V/L461M/C500T/N531D, A36V/Q111K/E304G/L461M/N531D, A36V/S407V/L461M/C500T/N531D, Q37A, Q37D, L46R, L46R/Q66N/A289R/A519P/K554Q, L46T, T49D, T49N, K56G, K56R, Q66N/T90S/Q279D/A289R/K554Q, Q66N/T90S/A289R/K554Q, Q66R, Q66S, A69S, S70K/S79T/Y234H/L361M/S407V, S70K/Q111K/L461M/C500T/N531D, S70K/E304G/S407V/L461M, E72T, S79T/Q111K/Y234H/L361M/C500T, S79T/Q111K/Y234H/N531D, S79T/Q111K/L361M, S79T/Q111K/N531D, S79T/E304G/L361M, S79T/E304G/L461M/N531D, S79T/S407V/L461M, V88E, V88Q, T90S/A289R/A519P, T90S/A289R/K554Q, H131G, H131M, H131S, H131W, Q142R, E198R, K201R, P272S, A278S, Q279S/A289R/K554Q, A289R/A519P/K554Q, A289R/K554Q, L295Q, E304G/L361M, Q305H, A350G, L361M/C500Q/N531D, L461M/C500T, K490A, K490I, K490S, K490V, I491L, I491V, Q499T, L510K, K518E, K518V, A519D, A519E, A519L, A519P, A519Q, S521D, E522G, E522K, E522R, E522V, E522Y, E523A, E523D, E523H, E523I, E523S, R524A, R524I, R524L, R524Q, R524T, R524Y, N531D, A540E, A540R, L541A, A544E, A544G, A544R, A544S, T547A, T547C, T547G, T547K, T547Q, T547R, T547S, S548A, S548G, S548K, S548Q, S548R, S548T, K554E, K554R, K554S, K554Y, N557E, N557R, Q558A, Q558D, Q558H, Q558S, V560G, V560M, V560R, and V560T, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 14.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 28/34/49/70/234/289/544/554, 33/34/49/234/531/547/554, 33/34/66/70/519/531, 33/34/66/289/522/531, 33/34/70/234/289/519, 33/34/70/234/518/519/547/554, 33/34/70/289/522/554, 33/34/289/522/531, 34/49/66/531, 34/49/234/531/554, 34/49/289/544/547, 34/66/70/234/518/519/547, 34/66/531/554, 34/66/554, 34/70/234/289/522, 34/70/234/554, 34/70/289/522, 34/234/522/554, 34/289, 34/289/522/531, 34/289/522/544/554, 34/522, 34/544, 66/70/234, and 234/531/544/547, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 28/34/49/70/234/289/544/554, 33/34/49/234/531/547/554, 33/34/66/70/519/531, 33/34/66/289/522/531, 33/34/70/234/289/519, 33/34/70/234/518/519/547/554, 33/34/70/289/522/554, 33/34/289/522/531, 34/49/66/531, 34/49/234/531/554, 34/49/289/544/547, 34/66/70/234/518/519/547, 34/66/531/554, 34/66/554, 34/70/234/289/522, 34/70/234/554, 34/70/289/522, 34/234/522/554, 34/289, 34/289/522/531, 34/289/522/544/554, 34/522, 34/544, 66/70/234, and 234/531/544/547, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 28N/34E/49N/70S/234Y/289R/544E/554Q, 33D/34E/66N/70S/519P/531D, 33D/34E/66N/289R/522K/531D, 33D/34E/70S/234Y/289R/519P, 33D/34E/70S/234Y/518V/519P/547Q/554Q, 33D/34E/70S/289R/522K/554Q, 33D/34E/289R/522K/531D, 33N/34E/49N/234Y/531D/547Q/554Q, 34E/49N/66N/531D, 34E/49N/234Y/531D/554Q, 34E/49N/289R/544E/547Q, 34E/66N/70S/234Y/518V/519P/547Q, 34E/66N/531D/554Q, 34E/66N/554Q, 34E/70S/234Y/289R/522K, 34E/70S/234Y/554Q, 34E/70S/289R/522K, 34E/234Y/522K/554Q, 34E/289R, 34E/289R/522K/531D, 34E/289R/522K/544E/554Q, 34E/522K, 34E/544E, 66N/70S/234Y, and 234Y/531D/544E/547Q, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 86.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 31, 37/49/56/66/111, 37/49/56/234/557, 37/49/56/500/524, 37/49/66/111/234, 37/49/111/524, 37/111, 37/111/361/500/557/558, 37/234, 43/59/93/506, 43/306, 43/306/506, 49/56/66/111/153/234/500/524, 49/66, 56/111/234, 56/234/500, 61, 65, 65/336, 66, 66/111/234/500, 93/506, 95, 103, 103/107/417/421, 103/306/506, 103/421, 104/105, 107, 107/417/421, 111/234/548/558, 111/361, 145, 146, 155, 172, 197, 211, 234, 234/524, 237/238/506, 286, 304, 306, 306/506, 328, 336, 361/524/557/558, 407, 417/421, 421, 471, 504, 506, 549, and 558, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 334. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 31S, 37D/49N/56G/66N/111K, 37D/49N/56G/234Y/557E, 37D/49N/56G/500T/524Q, 37D/49N/66N/111K/234Y, 37D/49N/111K/524Q, 37D/111K, 37D/111K/361L/500T/557E/558D, 37D/234Y, 43T/59A/93Q/506R, 43T/306L, 43T/306L/506R, 49N/56G/66N/111K/153N/234Y/500T/524Q, 49N/66N, 56G/111K/234Y, 56G/234Y/500T, 61V, 65M, 65N/336V, 66N, 66N/111K/234Y/500T, 93Q/506R, 95K, 95V, 103L, 103W, 103W/107T/417A/421S, 103W/306L/506R, 103W/421S, 104F/105M, 107T, 107T/417A/421A, 111K/234Y/548K/558D, 111K/361L, 145V, 146K, 155L, 155S, 172S, 197T, 211K, 234Y, 234Y/524Q, 237R/238V/506R, 286Q, 286R, 304N, 306L, 306L/506R, 328A, 336V, 361L/524Q/557E/558D, 407K, 407T, 417A/421S, 421S, 471Y, 504R, 506R, 506V, 549D, and 558D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 334. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from T31S, Q37D/T49N/K56G/Q66N/Q111K, Q37D/T49N/K56G/H234Y/N557E, Q37D/T49N/K56G/C500T/R524Q, Q37D/T49N/Q66N/Q111K/H234Y, Q37D/T49N/Q111K/R524Q, Q37D/Q111K, Q37D/Q111K/M361L/C500T/N557E/Q558D, Q37D/H234Y, A43T/S59A/L93Q/L506R, A43T/P306L, A43T/P306L/L506R, T49N/K56G/Q66N/Q111K/T153N/H234Y/C500T/R524Q, T49N/Q66N, K56G/Q111K/H234Y, K56G/H234Y/C500T, C61V, A65M, A65N/I336V, Q66N, Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/C500T, L93Q/L506R, A95K, A95V, R103L, R103W, R103W/A107T/G417A/T421S, R103W/P306L/L506R, R103W/T421S, Y104F/H105M, A107T, A107T/G417A/T421A, Q111K/H234Y/S548K/Q558D, Q111K/M361L, E145V, T146K, H155L, H155S, A172S, P197T, L211K, H234Y, H234Y/R524Q, Q237R/N238V/L506R, A286Q, A286R, E304N, P306L, P306L/L506R, 5328A, I336V, M361L/R524Q/N557E/Q558D, V407K, V407T, G417A/T421S, T421S, Q471Y, A504R, L506R, L506V, G549D, and Q558D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 334.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 31/61/95/286/328, 31/61/95/407/504, 31/61/95/471/504, 31/61/407/504, 31/95/155/286/504/549, 31/95/237/504/547/549, 31/95/286/504, 31/95/286/504/549, 31/95/328/504, 31/95/504, 31/95/549, 37/49/56/59/145, 37/103/111/145/421/500/524, 49/56/59/234/500, 49/59/66/111/145/234, 49/59/145/234/421, 56/59/66/234, 56/59/111/145, 56/59/111/145/234/421, 56/66/145/500, 56/103/111/145/234/500, 59/103/145/234/421/500, 59/103/234/421, 59/145, 59/234, 61, 61/95/155/286/407/471, 61/95/155/407, 61/95/286, 61/95/286/328/504, 61/95/328/407, 61/95/328/549, 61/95/407, 61/95/504/547, 61/286/407, 61/328, 61/328/504, 61/328/504/549, 61/407, 61/504, 66/103/145/234/421, 95/155/286/328/407/504, 95/155/286/549, 95/286, 95/286/328/407/504, 95/286/328/504, 95/286/547, 95/287/504/549, 95/328/504, 95/407, 95/407/504, 95/504/547, 95/549, 103/111/145/234/421, 111/145/234, 111/234, 145/234/500, 286/328/407/504/549, and 549, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 388. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 31S/61V/95K/286Q/328A, 31S/61V/95K/407T/504R, 31S/61V/95K/471Y/504R, 31S/61V/407T/504R, 31S/95K/155S/286Q/504R/549D, 31S/95K/237K/504R/547Q/549D, 31S/95K/286Q/504R, 31S/95K/286Q/504R/549D, 31S/95K/328A/504R, 31S/95K/504R, 31S/95K/549D, 37D/49N/56G/59A/145V, 37D/103L/111K/145V/421S/500T/524Q, 49N/56G/59A/234Y/500T, 49N/59A/66N/111K/145V/234Y, 49N/59A/145V/234Y/421S, 56G/59A/66N/234Y, 56G/59A/111K/145V, 56G/59A/111K/145V/234Y/421S, 56G/66N/145V/500T, 56G/103L/111K/145V/234Y/500T, 59A/103L/145V/234Y/421S/500T, 59A/103L/234Y/421S, 59A/145V, 59A/234Y, 61V, 61V/95K/155S/286Q/407T/471Y, 61V/95K/155S/407T, 61V/95K/286Q, 61V/95K/286Q/328A/504R, 61V/95K/328A/407T, 61V/95K/328A/549D, 61V/95K/407T, 61V/95K/504R/547Q, 61V/286Q/407T, 61V/328A, 61V/328A/504R, 61V/328A/504R/549D, 61V/407T, 61V/504R, 66N/103L/145V/234Y/421S, 95K/155S/286Q/328A/407T/504R, 95K/155S/286Q/549D, 95K/286Q, 95K/286Q/328A/407T/504R, 95K/286Q/328A/504R, 95K/286Q/547Q, 95K/287S/504R/549D, 95K/328A/504R, 95K/407T, 95K/407T/504R, 95K/504R/547Q, 95K/549D, 103L/111K/145V/234Y/421S, 111K/145V/234Y, 111K/234Y, 145V/234Y/500T, 286Q/328A/407T/504R/549D, and 549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 388. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from T31S/C61V/A95K/A286Q/S328A, T31S/C61V/A95K/V407T/A504R, T31S/C61V/A95K/Q471Y/A504R, T31S/C61V/V407T/A504R, T31S/A95K/H155S/A286Q/A504R/G549D, T31S/A95K/Q237K/A504R/T547Q/G549D, T31S/A95K/A286Q/A504R, T31S/A95K/A286Q/A504R/G549D, T31S/A95K/S328A/A504R, T31S/A95K/A504R, T31S/A95K/G549D, Q37D/T49N/K56G/S59A/E145V, Q37D/R103L/Q111K/E145V/T421S/C500T/R524Q, T49N/K56G/S59A/H234Y/C500T, T49N/S59A/Q66N/Q111K/E145V/H234Y, T49N/S59A/E145V/H234Y/T421S, K56G/S59A/Q66N/H234Y, K56G/S59A/Q111K/E145V, K56G/S59A/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/T421S, K56G/Q66N/E145V/C500T, K56G/R103L/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/C500T, S59A/R103L/E145V/H234Y/T421S/C500T, S59A/R103L/H234Y/T421S, S59A/E145V, S59A/H234Y, C61V, C61V/A95K/H155S/A286Q/V407T/Q471Y, C61V/A95K/H155S/V407T, C61V/A95K/A286Q, C61V/A95K/A286Q/S328A/A504R, C61V/A95K/S328A/V407T, C61V/A95K/S328A/G549D, C61V/A95K/V407T, C61V/A95K/A504R/T547Q, C61V/A286Q/V407T, C61V/S328A, C61V/S328A/A504R, C61V/S328A/A504R/G549D, C61V/V407T, C61V/A504R, Q66N/R103L/E145V/H234Y/T421S, A95K/H155S/A286Q/S328A/V407T/A504R, A95K/H155S/A286Q/G549D, A95K/A286Q, A95K/A286Q/S328A/V407T/A504R, A95K/A286Q/S328A/A504R, A95K/A286Q/T547Q, A95K/G287S/A504R/G549D, A95K/S328A/A504R, A95K/V407T, A95K/V407T/A504R, A95K/A504R/T547Q, A95K/G549D, R103L/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/T421S, Q111K/E145V/H234Y, Q111K/H234Y, E145V/H234Y/C500T, A286Q/S328A/V407T/A504R/G549D, and G549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 388.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 14/56/114, 14/114/283/289, 14/114/283/289/291, 14/114/283/289/562, 14/114/291/518/562, 14/114/518, 14/234/283/291/305, 14/283/289/562, 29/66/111, 29/66/111/540, 29/111, 29/111/523, 33/46/49, 33/46/49/336/519/548/549, 33/46/49/549, 33/46/518/534/548/549, 33/46/519, 33/49/336, 33/336/519, 36/37/56/59/145/234/328, 36/37/59/131/531, 36/37/103/234, 36/37/131/145/234/328, 36/37/145/234, 36/37/145/234/328/471/531, 36/37/234/328/531, 36/56/145/234/328, 36/59/234/328, 36/59/531, 36/103/145/328/531, 36/131, 36/234/531, 37/56/59/103/145/234/328/471/531, 37/56/59/234/328/524/531, 37/56/59/234/531, 37/56/234/531, 37/59/234, 37/234/471, 46/49, 46/49/518/519/548/549, 46/49/519, 46/155, 46/548, 49/519, 56, 56/59/103/471/531, 56/59/471/531, 56/114/206/283, 56/114/291, 56/114/291/518/562, 56/114/518, 56/518, 59/328/524/531, 66/540, 111, 111/510/521/523/541/558, 111/523/557, 114, 114/206/283/289/562, 114/283/289/291, 114/283/289/305/518, 114/283/291, 114/289, 114/289/562, 114/291, 114/291/518, 114/518/562, 114/562, 131/234/328, 234, 234/328, 234/328/471, 234/531, 289/562, 305, 336/519, 518/519/548/549, 519, 521, 523, 531, 541, 548/549, and 549, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 604. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 14S/56R/114P, 14S/114P/283D/289Q, 14S/114P/283D/289Q/291V, 14S/114P/283S/289Q/562S, 14S/114P/291V/518Q/562S, 14S/114P/518Q, 14S/234L/283D/291V/305E, 14S/283D/289Q/562S, 29E/66N/111K/540R, 29E/111K, 29E/111K/523D, 29G/66N/111K, 33N/46R/49D/549D, 33N/46T/49D, 33N/46T/49D/336V/519E/548K/549D, 33N/46T/49D/549D, 33N/46T/518V/534S/548K/549D, 33N/46T/519E, 33N/49D/336V, 33N/336V/519P, 36V/37A/56G/59A/145V/234Y/328S, 36V/37A/59A/131M/531D, 36V/37A/103L/234Y, 36V/37A/131M/145V/234Y/328S, 36V/37A/145V/234Y, 36V/37A/145V/234Y/3285/471Y/531D, 36V/37A/234Y/328Q/531D, 36V/56G/145V/234Y/328S, 36V/59A/234Y/328S, 36V/59A/531D, 36V/103L/145V/3285/531D, 36V/131M, 36V/234Y/531D, 37A/56G/59A/103L/145V/234Y/328Q/471Y/531D, 37A/56G/59A/234Y/3285/524L/531D, 37A/56G/59A/234Y/531D, 37A/56G/234Y/531D, 37A/59A/234Y, 37A/234Y/471Y, 46R/49D, 46R/49D/518V/519E/548K/549D, 46R/49D/519P, 46R/155L, 46T/49D/519E, 46T/548K, 49D/519P, 56G/59A/103L/471Y/531D, 56G/59A/471Y/531D, 56R, 56R/114P/206P/283D, 56R/114P/291V, 56R/114P/291V/518Q/562S, 56R/114P/518Q, 56R/518Q, 59A/328Q/524L/531D, 66R/540R, 111K, 111K/510K/521D/523A/541A/558D, 111K/523A/557E, 114P, 114P/206P/283S/289Q/562S, 114P/283D/289Q/291V, 114P/283D/289Q/305E/518Q, 114P/283D/291V, 114P/289Q, 114P/289Q/562S, 114P/291V, 114P/291V/518Q, 114P/518Q/562S, 114P/562S, 131M/234Y/328Q, 234Y, 234Y/328Q, 234Y/328S/471Y, 234Y/531D, 289Q/562S, 305E, 336V/519P, 518V/519E/548K/549D, 519P, 521D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 604. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from F14S/K56R/S114P, F14S/S114P/E283D/R289Q, F14S/S114P/E283D/R289Q/I291V, F14S/S114P/E283S/R289Q/I562S, F14S/S114P/I291V/K518Q/I562S, F14S/S114P/K518Q, F14S/H234L/E283D/I291V/Q305E, F14S/E283D/R289Q/I562S, P29E/Q66N/Q111K/A540R, P29E/Q111K, P29E/Q111K/E523D, P29G/Q66N/Q111K, K33N/L46R/T49D/G549D, K33N/L46T/T49D, K33N/L46T/T49D/I336V/A519E/S548K/G549D, K33N/L46T/T49D/G549D, K33N/L46T/K518V/A534S/S548K/G549D, K33N/L46T/A519E, K33N/T49D/I336V, K33N/I336V/A519P, A36V/Q37A/K56G/S59A/E145V/H234Y/A328S, A36V/Q37A/S59A/H131M/N531D, A36V/Q37A/R103L/H234Y, A36V/Q37A/H131M/E145V/H234Y/A328S, A36V/Q37A/E145V/H234Y, A36V/Q37A/E145V/H234Y/A328S/Q471Y/N531D, A36V/Q37A/H234Y/A328Q/N531D, A36V/K56G/E145V/H234Y/A328S, A36V/S59A/H234Y/A328S, A36V/S59A/N531D, A36V/R103L/E145V/A328S/N531D, A36V/H131M, A36V/H234Y/N531D, Q37A/K56G/S59A/R103L/E145V/H234Y/A328Q/Q471Y/N531D, Q37A/K56G/S59A/H234Y/A328S/R524L/N531D, Q37A/K56G/S59A/H234Y/N531D, Q37A/K56G/H234Y/N531D, Q37A/S59A/H234Y, Q37A/H234Y/Q471Y, L46R/T49D, L46R/T49D/K518V/A519E/S548K/G549D, L46R/T49D/A519P, L46R/H155L, L46T/T49D/A519E, L46T/S548K, T49D/A519P, K56G/S59A/R103L/Q471Y/N531D, K56G/S59A/Q471Y/N531D, K56R, K56R/S114P/E206P/E283D, K56R/S114P/I291V, K56R/S114P/I291V/K518Q/I562S, K56R/S114P/K518Q, K56R/K518Q, S59A/A328Q/R524L/N531D, Q66R/A540R, Q111K, Q111K/L510K/S521D/E523A/L541A/Q558D, Q111K/E523A/N557E, S114P, S114P/E206P/E283S/R289Q/I562S, S114P/E283D/R289Q/I291V, S114P/E283D/R289Q/Q305E/K518Q, S114P/E283D/I291V, S114P/R289Q, S114P/R289Q/I562S, S114P/I291V, S114P/I291V/K518Q, S114P/K518Q/I562S, S114P/I562S, H131M/H234Y/A328Q, H234Y, H234Y/A328Q, H234Y/A328S/Q471Y, H234Y/N531D, R289Q/I562S, Q305E, I336V/A519P, K518V/A519E/S548K/G549D, A519P, S521D, E523D, N531D, L541A, S548K/G549D, and G549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 604.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 20/49/56/59/111/291, 20/59/234/518/549/562, 49/56/59/66/291/531/549, 49/56/59/111/549, 49/56/66/111/234/291/518, 49/56/66/234, 49/59/66/145/234, 49/59/66/289, 49/59/289/562, 49/66/111/234/291/518/562, 49/111/531, 49/234, 56/59/111/234/289, 56/59/111/234/531, 56/59/111/283/518/531, 56/59/111/291, 56/59/111/291/518/531, 56/59/145/289/518/562, 56/59/234, 56/59/234/518, 56/59/518, 56/111/145/234/289/531/562, 56/111/145/234/518/549/562, 56/111/518/549, 56/234/291, 59, 59/111, 59/145/234/291, 59/234/291, 59/234/291/387/549/562, 111/145, 111/145/234/291/562, 111/145/234/562, 111/234, 111/289, 111/291, 111/518, 234, 234/518/549, 291/518/549, 518, 518/531/549/562, 531, and 549, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 20G/49D/56G/59A/111K/291V, 20G/59A/234Y/518Q/549D/562S, 49D/56G/59A/66N/291V/531D/549D, 49D/56G/59A/111K/549D, 49D/56G/66N/111K/234Y/291V/518Q, 49D/56G/66N/234Y, 49D/59A/66N/145V/234Y, 49D/59A/66N/289Q, 49D/59A/289Q/562S, 49D/66N/111K/234Y/291V/518Q/5625, 49D/111K/531D, 49D/234Y, 56G/59A/111K/234Y/289Q, 56G/59A/111K/234Y/531D, 56G/59A/111K/283D/518Q/531D, 56G/59A/111K/291V, 56G/59A/111K/291V/518Q/531D, 56G/59A/145V/289Q/518Q/562S, 56G/59A/234Y, 56G/59A/234Y/518Q, 56G/59A/518Q, 56G/111K/145V/234Y/289Q/531D/5625, 56G/111K/145V/234Y/518Q/549D/5625, 56G/111K/518Q/549D, 56G/234Y/291V, 59A, 59A/111K, 59A/145V/234Y/291V, 59A/234Y/291V, 59A/234Y/291V/387T/549D/562S, 111K/145V, 111K/145V/234Y/291V/562S, 111K/145V/234Y/562S, 111K/234Y, 111K/289Q, 111K/291V, 111K/518Q, 234Y, 234Y/518Q/549D, 291V/518Q/549D, 518Q, 518Q/531D/549D/562S, 531D, and 549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from D20G/T49D/R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V, D20G/S59A/H234Y/K518Q/G549D/I562S, T49D/R56G/S59A/Q66N/I291V/N531D/G549D, T49D/R56G/S59A/Q111K/G549D, T49D/R56G/Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/I291V/K518Q, T49D/R56G/Q66N/H234Y, T49D/S59A/Q66N/E145V/H234Y, T49D/S59A/Q66N/R289Q, T49D/S59A/R289Q/I562S, T49D/Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/I291V/K518Q/I562S, T49D/Q111K/N531D, T49D/H234Y, R56G/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q, R56G/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/N531D, R56G/S59A/Q111K/E283D/K518Q/N531D, R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V, R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V/K518Q/N531D, R56G/S59A/E145V/R289Q/K518Q/I562S, R56G/S59A/H234Y, R56G/S59A/H234Y/K518Q, R56G/S59A/K518Q, R56G/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/I562S, R56G/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/K518Q/G549D/I562S, R56G/Q111K/K518Q/G549D, R56G/H234Y/I291V, S59A, S59A/Q111K, S59A/E145V/H234Y/I291V, S59A/H234Y/I291V, S59A/H234Y/I291V/I387T/G549D/I562S, Q111K/E145V, Q111K/E145V/H234Y/I291V/I562S, Q111K/E145V/H234Y/I562S, Q111K/H234Y, Q111K/R289Q, Q111K/I291V, Q111K/K518Q, H234Y, H234Y/K518Q/G549D, I291V/K518Q/G549D, K518Q, K518Q/N531D/G549D/I562S, N531D, and G549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 33/37, 33/37/46/305, 33/37/103, 33/37/103/305, 33/37/103/305/336/541/548, 33/37/103/305/523/548, 33/37/103/305/548, 33/37/103/336/518/541/548, 33/37/103/471/519/548, 33/37/103/518/523/541, 33/37/103/519/523, 33/37/103/523, 33/37/103/540, 33/37/305, 33/37/305/328, 33/37/305/328/548, 33/37/305/336/471/541, 33/37/305/336/518/523, 33/37/305/336/521/523/548, 33/37/305/336/521/548, 33/37/305/336/541, 33/37/305/471/521/548, 33/37/305/523/540, 33/37/305/540, 33/37/305/541, 33/37/336, 33/37/336/540, 33/37/336/540/548, 33/37/471/523/540/548, 33/37/518/521/540, 33/37/518/521/548, 33/37/518/548, 33/37/521/548, 33/37/523, 33/37/523/540/548, 33/37/540, 33/37/548, 33/46, 33/46/66/305/521/523/540/548, 33/46/103/305/336/518/519/540, 33/46/103/305/336/548, 33/46/103/305/540, 33/46/103/540/548, 33/46/305, 33/46/305/336, 33/46/305/518/540/548, 33/46/336/471/519/523/548, 33/46/336/521, 33/46/336/521/523, 33/46/336/540, 33/46/336/540/548, 33/46/518/521/548, 33/46/521/548, 33/46/523, 33/46/541, 33/46/548, 33/103/336/518/521/548, 33/471/523/541, 37, 37/103, 37/103/305/336, 37/103/305/336/521/523/540/548, 37/103/305/336/523/540, 37/103/305/471, 37/103/305/471/540/548, 37/103/305/521/541/548, 37/103/305/540, 37/103/328/336/518/523/548, 37/103/328/521/541/548, 37/103/336, 37/103/336/521/541, 37/103/519/541/548, 37/103/540, 37/103/541/548, 37/305, 37/305/336, 37/305/336/521/540/548, 37/305/336/523/548, 37/305/336/540/548, 37/305/336/541/548, 37/305/471, 37/305/471/523/540/548, 37/305/471/540/548, 37/305/519/548, 37/305/521/523/540/548, 37/305/521/540, 37/305/521/541/548, 37/305/523/541/548, 37/305/541, 37/305/541/548, 37/305/548, 37/336, 37/336/471/541/548, 37/336/521/523, 37/336/521/523/548, 37/336/523/548, 37/336/540, 37/336/548, 37/471, 37/471/518, 37/471/518/519/523, 37/471/521/540/548, 37/519, 37/521/523/548, 37/521/540, 37/523/541, 37/523/548, 37/540, 37/540/548, 37/541, 37/548, 46, 46/49/59/111/523/531/549, 46/49/111/234/289/436/549, 46/49/111/234/289/531/549, 46/49/111/234/336, 46/49/111/234/336/523/549, 46/49/111/336/549, 46/49/234/289/336, 46/49/234/336/521/523/549, 46/49/234/540/549, 46/49/234/549, 46/49/289/523/531/549/562, 46/49/531/549, 46/59/234, 46/59/549/562, 46/103/305, 46/103/305/336/471/540/548, 46/103/305/336/523, 46/103/305/471/540/548, 46/103/305/520/540, 46/103/305/548, 46/103/523/548, 46/103/540/548, 46/103/541, 46/103/541/548, 46/103/548, 46/111/234/289/531/549, 46/111/234/521/549, 46/111/523/531/549, 46/234/289/549, 46/234/521/523/531/540/549, 46/234/549, 46/289/549, 46/305, 46/305/336, 46/305/336/518, 46/305/336/522, 46/305/336/548, 46/305/471, 46/305/523/548, 46/305/548, 46/336/521/523, 46/336/523/548, 46/336/540, 46/336/540/548, 46/521/523, 46/521/523/540, 46/521/523/549, 46/521/548, 46/523/540, 46/523/541/548, 46/541, 46/541/548, 46/548, 46/549, 49, 49/59/111/234/289/521, 49/59/111/289/523, 49/59/234/289/336, 49/59/234/289/336/523/531/549, 49/59/289/305/336, 49/59/289/336, 49/59/336, 49/59/521/531, 49/111, 49/111/234, 49/111/234/289/336/523/531/549, 49/111/234/289/521/523/531/549/562, 49/111/234/289/523/549, 49/111/234/336/521/523, 49/111/234/336/523/531, 49/111/234/523/531/549, 49/111/234/531, 49/111/234/549, 49/111/289, 49/111/289/336/521/549, 49/111/523/531/549, 49/111/531/549, 49/234, 49/234/289, 49/234/289/336/531/549, 49/234/289/523, 49/234/289/523/531/540, 49/234/289/523/549, 49/234/305/549, 49/234/521, 49/234/549, 49/289/305/336/523, 49/289/336, 49/289/336/521/531, 49/336/521/562, 49/521/531/549/562, 49/521/549, 49/523/549, 49/549, 59, 59/111/234/289/305/336/549, 59/111/234/289/305/549, 59/111/289, 59/111/336, 59/549, 103, 103/336/519/548, 103/521/523/540, 111/234/289, 111/234/289/523, 111/289/336/521, 111/289/336/523/549, 111/336/562, 111/521/523/549, 234, 234/289, 234/289/336/523, 234/289/523/531/549/562, 234/289/523/549, 234/289/531, 234/289/549, 234/336, 234/336/531/562, 234/521/523, 234/521/523/549, 234/523/531, 234/531/549, 234/540, 234/549, 234/562, 289, 289/336/549, 289/521/523, 289/521/523/540, 289/521/523/549, 289/523, 305/336/541/548, 336/548, 519/548, 521, 521/548, 521/549, 521/562, 523, 531/549, 540, and 549, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 33N/37A, 33N/37A/46R/305E, 33N/37A/103L, 33N/37A/103L/305E, 33N/37A/103L/305E/336V/541A/548K, 33N/37A/103L/305E/523D/548K, 33N/37A/103L/305E/548K, 33N/37A/103L/336V/518V/541A/548K, 33N/37A/103L/471Y/519P/548K, 33N/37A/103L/518V/523D/541A, 33N/37A/103L/519P/523D, 33N/37A/103L/523D, 33N/37A/103L/540R, 33N/37A/305E, 33N/37A/305E/328Q, 33N/37A/305E/328Q/548K, 33N/37A/305E/336V/471Y/541A, 33N/37A/305E/336V/518V/523D, 33N/37A/305E/336V/521D/523D/548K, 33N/37A/305E/336V/521D/548K, 33N/37A/305E/336V/541A, 33N/37A/305E/471Y/521D/548K, 33N/37A/305E/523D/540R, 33N/37A/305E/540R, 33N/37A/305E/541A, 33N/37A/336V, 33N/37A/336V/540R, 33N/37A/336V/540R/548K, 33N/37A/471Y/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/518V/521D/540R, 33N/37A/518V/521D/548K, 33N/37A/518V/548K, 33N/37A/521D/548K, 33N/37A/523D, 33N/37A/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/540R, 33N/37A/548K, 33N/46R, 33N/46R/66K/305E/521D/523D/540R/548K, 33N/46R/103L/305E/336V/518V/519P/540R, 33N/46R/103L/305E/336V/548K, 33N/46R/103L/305E/540R, 33N/46R/103L/540R/548K, 33N/46R/305E, 33N/46R/305E/336V, 33N/46R/305E/518V/540R/548K, 33N/46R/336V/471Y/519P/523D/548K, 33N/46R/336V/521D, 33N/46R/336V/521D/523D, 33N/46R/336V/540R, 33N/46R/336V/540R/548K, 33N/46R/518V/521D/548K, 33N/46R/521D/548K, 33N/46R/523D, 33N/46R/541A, 33N/46R/548K, 33N/103L/336V/518V/521D/548K, 33N/471Y/523D/541A, 37A, 37A/103L, 37A/103L/305E/336V, 37A/103L/305E/336V/521D/523D/540R/548K, 37A/103L/305E/336V/523D/540R, 37A/103L/305E/471Y, 37A/103L/305E/471Y/540R/548K, 37A/103L/305E/521D/541A/548K, 37A/103L/305E/540R, 37A/103L/328Q/336V/518V/523D/548K, 37A/103L/328Q/521D/541A/548K, 37A/103L/336V, 37A/103L/336V/521D/541A, 37A/103L/519P/541A/548K, 37A/103L/540R, 37A/103L/541A/548K, 37A/305E, 37A/305E/336V, 37A/305E/336V/521D/540R/548K, 37A/305E/336V/523D/548K, 37A/305E/336V/540R/548K, 37A/305E/336V/541A/548K, 37A/305E/471Y, 37A/305E/471Y/523D/540R/548K, 37A/305E/471Y/540R/548K, 37A/305E/519P/548K, 37A/305E/521D/523D/540R/548K, 37A/305E/521D/540R, 37A/305E/521D/541A/548K, 37A/305E/523D/541A/548K, 37A/305E/541A, 37A/305E/541A/548K, 37A/305E/548K, 37A/336V, 37A/336V/471Y/541A/548K, 37A/336V/521D/523D, 37A/336V/521D/523D/548K, 37A/336V/523D/548K, 37A/336V/540R, 37A/336V/548K, 37A/471Y, 37A/471Y/518V, 37A/471Y/518V/519P/523D, 37A/471Y/521D/540R/548K, 37A/519P, 37A/521D/523D/548K, 37A/521D/540R, 37A/523D/541A, 37A/523D/548K, 37A/540R, 37A/540R/548K, 37A/541A, 37A/548K, 46R, 46R/49D/59A/111K/523D/531D/549D, 46R/49D/111K/234Y/289Q/436V/549D, 46R/49D/111K/234Y/289Q/531D/549D, 46R/49D/111K/234Y/336V, 46R/49D/111K/234Y/336V/523D/549D, 46R/49D/111K/336V/549D, 46R/49D/234Y/289Q/336V, 46R/49D/234Y/336V/521D/523D/549D, 46R/49D/234Y/540R/549D, 46R/49D/234Y/549D, 46R/49D/289Q/523D/531D/549D/562S, 46R/49D/531D/549D, 46R/59A/234Y, 46R/59A/549D/562S, 46R/103L/305E, 46R/103L/305E/336V/471Y/540R/548K, 46R/103L/305E/336V/523D, 46R/103L/305E/471Y/540R/548K, 46R/103L/305E/520Q/540R, 46R/103L/305E/548K, 46R/103L/523D/548K, 46R/103L/540R/548K, 46R/103L/541A, 46R/103L/541A/548K, 46R/103L/548K, 46R/111K/234Y/289Q/531D/549D, 46R/111K/234Y/521D/549D, 46R/111K/523D/531D/549D, 46R/234Y/289Q/549S, 46R/234Y/521D/523D/531D/540R/549D, 46R/234Y/549D, 46R/289Q/549D, 46R/305E, 46R/305E/336V, 46R/305E/336V/518V, 46R/305E/336V/522E, 46R/305E/336V/548K, 46R/305E/471Y, 46R/305E/523D/548K, 46R/305E/548K, 46R/336V/521D/523D, 46R/336V/523D/548K, 46R/336V/540R, 46R/336V/540R/548K, 46R/521D/523D, 46R/521D/523D/540R, 46R/521D/523D/549D, 46R/521D/548K, 46R/523D/540R, 46R/523D/541A/548K, 46R/541A, 46R/541A/548K, 46R/548K, 46R/549D, 49D, 49D/59A/111K/234Y/289Q/521D, 49D/59A/111K/289Q/523D, 49D/59A/234Y/289Q/336V, 49D/59A/234Y/289Q/336V/523D/531D/549D, 49D/59A/289Q/305E/336V, 49D/59A/289Q/336V, 49D/59A/336V, 49D/59A/521D/531D, 49D/111K, 49D/111K/234Y, 49D/111K/234Y/289Q/336V/523D/531D/549D, 49D/111K/234Y/289Q/521D/523D/531D/549D/562S, 49D/111K/234Y/289Q/523D/549D, 49D/111K/234Y/336V/521D/523D, 49D/111K/234Y/336V/523D/531D, 49D/111K/234Y/523D/531D/549D, 49D/111K/234Y/531D, 49D/111K/234Y/549D, 49D/111K/289Q, 49D/111K/289Q/336V/521D/549D, 49D/111K/523D/531D/549D, 49D/111K/531D/549D, 49D/234Y, 49D/234Y/289Q, 49D/234Y/289Q/336V/531D/549D, 49D/234Y/289Q/523D, 49D/234Y/289Q/523D/531D/540R, 49D/234Y/289Q/523D/549D, 49D/234Y/305E/549D, 49D/234Y/521D, 49D/234Y/549D, 49D/289Q/305E/336V/523D, 49D/289Q/336V, 49D/289Q/336V/521D/531D, 49D/336V/521D/562S, 49D/521D/531D/549D/562S, 49D/521D/549D, 49D/523D/549D, 49D/549D, 59A, 59A/111K/234Y/289Q/305E/336V/549D, 59A/111K/234Y/289Q/305E/549D, 59A/111K/289Q, 59A/111K/336V, 59A/549D, 103L, 103L/336V/519P/548K, 103L/521D/523D/540R, 111K/234Y/289Q, 111K/234Y/289Q/523D, 111K/289Q/336V/521D, 111K/289Q/336V/523D/549D, 111K/336V/562S, 111K/521D/523D/549D, 234Y, 234Y/289Q, 234Y/289Q/336V/523D, 234Y/289Q/523D/531D/549D/562S, 234Y/289Q/523D/549D, 234Y/289Q/531D, 234Y/289Q/549D, 234Y/336V, 234Y/336V/531D/562S, 234Y/521D/523D, 234Y/521D/523D/549D, 234Y/523D/531D, 234Y/531D/549D, 234Y/540R, 234Y/549D, 234Y/562S, 289Q, 289Q/336V/549D, 289Q/521D/523D, 289Q/521D/523D/540R, 289Q/521D/523D/549D, 289Q/523D, 305E/336V/541A/548K, 336V/548K, 519P/548K, 521D, 521D/548K, 521D/549D, 521D/562S, 523D, 531D/549D, 540R, and 549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from K33N/Q37A, K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q305E, K33N/Q37A/R103L, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/L541A/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/E523D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/I336V/K518V/L541A/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q471Y/A519P/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/K518V/E523D/L541A, K33N/Q37A/R103L/A519P/E523D, K33N/Q37A/R103L/E523D, K33N/Q37A/R103L/A540R, K33N/Q37A/Q305E, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A328Q, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A328Q/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/Q471Y/L541A, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/K518V/E523D, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/E523D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/L541A, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/S521D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/E523D/A540R, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A540R, K33N/Q37A/Q305E/L541A, K33N/Q37A/I336V, K33N/Q37A/I336V/A540R, K33N/Q37A/I336V/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q471Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/K518V/S521D/A540R, K33N/Q37A/K518V/S521D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/K518V/S548K, K33N/Q37A/S521D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/E523D, K33N/Q37A/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/A540R, K33N/Q37A/S548K, K33N/L46R, K33N/L46R/Q66K/Q305E/S521D/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/K518V/A519P/A540R, K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/S548K, K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/A540R, K33N/L46R/R103L/A540R/S548K, K33N/L46R/Q305E, K33N/L46R/Q305E/I336V, K33N/L46R/Q305E/K518V/A540R/S548K, K33N/L46R/I336V/Q471Y/A519P/E523D/S548K, K33N/L46R/I336V/S521D, K33N/L46R/I336V/S521D/E523D, K33N/L46R/I336V/A540R, K33N/L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K, K33N/L46R/K518V/S521D/S548K, K33N/L46R/S521D/S548K, K33N/L46R/E523D, K33N/L46R/L541A, K33N/L46R/S548K, K33N/R103L/I336V/K518V/S521D/S548K, K33N/Q471Y/E523D/L541A, Q37A, Q37A/R103L, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/S521D/E523D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/E523D/A540R, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/S521D/L541A/S548K, Q37A/R103L/Q305E/A540R, Q37A/R103L/A328Q/I336V/K518V/E523D/S548K, Q37A/R103L/A328Q/S521D/L541A/S548K, Q37A/R103L/I336V, Q37A/R103L/I336V/S521D/L541A, Q37A/R103L/A519P/L541A/S548K, Q37A/R103L/A540R, Q37A/R103L/L541A/S548K, Q37A/Q305E, Q37A/Q305E/I336V, Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/I336V/E523D/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/I336V/A540R/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/I336V/L541A/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y, Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/A519P/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/S521D/E523D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/S521D/A540R, Q37A/Q305E/S521D/L541A/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/E523D/L541A/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/L541A, Q37A/Q305E/L541A/S548K, Q37A/Q305E/S548K, Q37A/I336V, Q37A/I336V/Q471Y/L541A/S548K, Q37A/I336V/S521D/E523D, Q37A/I336V/S521D/E523D/S548K, Q37A/I336V/E523D/S548K, Q37A/I336V/A540R, Q37A/I336V/S548K, Q37A/Q471Y, Q37A/Q471Y/K518V, Q37A/Q471Y/K518V/A519P/E523D, Q37A/Q471Y/S521D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/A519P, Q37A/S521D/E523D/S548K, Q37A/S521D/A540R, Q37A/E523D/L541A, Q37A/E523D/S548K, Q37A/A540R, Q37A/A540R/S548K, Q37A/L541A, Q37A/S548K, L46R, L46R/T49D/S59A/Q111K/E523D/N531D/G549D, L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/L436V/G549D, L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/G549D, L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V, L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/G549D, L46R/T49D/Q111K/I336V/G549D, L46R/T49D/H234Y/R289Q/I336V, L46R/T49D/H234Y/I336V/S521D/E523D/G549D, L46R/T49D/H234Y/A540R/G549D, L46R/T49D/H234Y/G549D, L46R/T49D/R289Q/E523D/N531D/G549D/I562S, L46R/T49D/N531D/G549D, L46R/S59A/H234Y, L46R/S59A/G549D/I562S, L46R/R103L/Q305E, L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/Q471Y/A540R/S548K, L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/E523D, L46R/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K, L46R/R103L/Q305E/P520Q/A540R, L46R/R103L/Q305E/S548K, L46R/R103L/E523D/S548K, L46R/R103L/A540R/S548K, L46R/R103L/L541A, L46R/R103L/L541A/S548K, L46R/R103L/S548K, L46R/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/G549D, L46R/Q111K/H234Y/S521D/G549D, L46R/Q111K/E523D/N531D/G549D, L46R/H234Y/R289Q/G549S, L46R/H234Y/S521D/E523D/N531D/A540R/G549D, L46R/H234Y/G549D, L46R/R289Q/G549D, L46R/Q305E, L46R/Q305E/I336V, L46R/Q305E/I336V/K518V, L46R/Q305E/I336V/K522E, L46R/Q305E/I336V/S548K, L46R/Q305E/Q471Y, L46R/Q305E/E523D/S548K, L46R/Q305E/S548K, L46R/I336V/S521D/E523D, L46R/I336V/E523D/S548K, L46R/I336V/A540R, L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K, L46R/S521D/E523D, L46R/S521D/E523D/A540R, L46R/S521D/E523D/G549D, L46R/S521D/S548K, L46R/E523D/A540R, L46R/E523D/L541A/S548K, L46R/L541A, L46R/L541A/S548K, L46R/S548K, L46R/G549D, T49D, T49D/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/S521D, T49D/S59A/Q111K/R289Q/E523D, T49D/S59A/H234Y/R289Q/I336V, T49D/S59A/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D/N531D/G549D, T49D/S59A/R289Q/Q305E/I336V, T49D/S59A/R289Q/I336V, T49D/S59A/I336V, T49D/S59A/S521D/N531D, T49D/Q111K, T49D/Q111K/H234Y, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D/N531D/G549D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/S521D/E523D/N531D/G549D/I562S, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/S521D/E523D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/N531D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/N531D/G549D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/N531D, T49D/Q111K/H234Y/G549D, T49D/Q111K/R289Q, T49D/Q111K/R289Q/I336V/S521D/G549D, T49D/Q111K/E523D/N531D/G549D, T49D/Q111K/N531D/G549D, T49D/H234Y, T49D/H234Y/R289Q, T49D/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/N531D/G549D, T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D, T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/N531D/A540R, T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D, T49D/H234Y/Q305E/G549D, T49D/H234Y/S521D, T49D/H234Y/G549D, T49D/R289Q/Q305E/I336V/E523D, T49D/R289Q/I336V, T49D/R289Q/I336V/S521D/N531D, T49D/I336V/S521D/I562S, T49D/S521D/N531D/G549D/I562S, T49D/S521D/G549D, T49D/E523D/G549D, T49D/G549D, S59A, S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/Q305E/I336V/G549D, S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/Q305E/G549D, S59A/Q111K/R289Q, S59A/Q111K/I336V, S59A/G549D, R103L, R103L/I336V/A519P/S548K, R103L/S521D/E523D/A540R, Q111K/H234Y/R289Q, Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/E523D, Q111K/R289Q/I336V/S521D, Q111K/R289Q/I336V/E523D/G549D, Q111K/I336V/I562S, Q111K/S521D/E523D/G549D, H234Y, H234Y/R289Q, H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D, H234Y/R289Q/E523D/N531D/G549D/I562S, H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D, H234Y/R289Q/N531D, H234Y/R289Q/G549D, H234Y/I336V, H234Y/I336V/N531D/I562S, H234Y/S521D/E523D, H234Y/S521D/E523D/G549D, H234Y/E523D/N531D, H234Y/N531D/G549D, H234Y/A540R, H234Y/G549D, H234Y/I562S, R289Q, R289Q/I336V/G549D, R289Q/S521D/E523D, R289Q/S521D/E523D/A540R, R289Q/S521D/E523D/G549D, R289Q/E523D, Q305E/I336V/L541A/S548K, I336V/S548K, A519P/S548K, S521D, S521D/S548K, S521D/G549D, S521D/I562S, E523D, N531D/G549D, A540R, and G549D, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 736.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 24/44/464, 24/201/202/351/507, 24/202/351, 33/37/46/56/103/523/540/548/549, 33/37/46/56/111/234/523, 33/37/46/56/111/523/540, 33/37/46/103/111/234, 33/37/46/103/111/548/549, 33/37/46/103/523, 33/37/46/111/234/328/523/540/548, 33/37/46/111/336/540, 33/37/46/234/523, 33/37/46/336, 33/37/46/548/549, 33/37/56/111/234/523/540/548, 33/37/56/234/523/540/548, 33/37/103/111/234/336/540/548, 33/37/103/336/523/540/548, 33/37/111/234/523/540/548, 33/37/111/523/540, 33/37/111/548, 33/37/234/336/523/548, 33/37/523/540/548, 33/46, 33/46/56/111/548, 33/46/56/234/248/549, 33/46/103/523/549, 33/56/103/111, 33/103/111/234, 33/103/111/234/336/523/548, 33/103/111/234/540/549, 33/103/111/336, 33/111/234/548, 33/234/328/523/540/549, 33/234/336/523/540/548/549, 33/234/523/540/548, 33/234/523/548, 33/234/540/548/549, 33/336, 33/336/523/540/548/549, 33/336/540/548, 33/336/549, 37, 37/46/56/523, 37/46/234, 37/46/336/523/540/548, 37/46/336/540/548, 37/56/234/336/523/540/548/549, 37/56/336/523/540/548, 37/103/336/548/549, 37/111/523, 37/234/328/336/523, 37/336, 37/548/549, 44, 46/103/328/336/523, 46/103/336, 46/234/336, 46/234/540/548, 46/336/540/549, 202, 202/332/408, 234/523/540/548/549, 336/523, 408, and 523/548, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 24T/44R/464Q, 24T/201N/202R/351N/507R, 24T/202R/351N, 33N/37A/46R/56G/103L/523D/540R/548K/549D, 33N/37A/46R/56G/111K/234Y/523D, 33N/37A/46R/56G/111K/523D/540R, 33N/37A/46R/103L/111K/234Y, 33N/37A/46R/103L/111K/548K/549D, 33N/37A/46R/103L/523D, 33N/37A/46R/111K/234Y/328Q/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/46R/111K/336V/540R, 33N/37A/46R/234Y/523D, 33N/37A/46R/336V, 33N/37A/46R/548K/549D, 33N/37A/56G/111K/234Y/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/56G/234Y/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/103L/111K/234Y/336V/540R/548K, 33N/37A/103L/336V/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/111K/234Y/523D/540R/548K, 33N/37A/111K/523D/540R, 33N/37A/111K/548K, 33N/37A/234Y/336V/523D/548K, 33N/37A/523D/540R/548K, 33N/46R, 33N/46R/56G/111K/548K, 33N/46R/56G/234Y/248V/549D, 33N/46R/103L/523D/549D, 33N/56G/103L/111K, 33N/103L/111K/234Y, 33N/103L/111K/234Y/336V/523D/548K, 33N/103L/111K/234Y/540R/549D, 33N/103L/111K/336V, 33N/111K/234Y/548K, 33N/234Y/328Q/523D/540R/549D, 33N/234Y/336V/523D/540R/548K/549D, 33N/234Y/523D/540R/548K, 33N/234Y/523D/548K, 33N/234Y/540R/548K/549D, 33N/336V, 33N/336V/523D/540R/548K/549D, 33N/336V/540R/548K, 33N/336V/549D, 37A, 37A/46R/56G/523D, 37A/46R/234Y, 37A/46R/336V/523D/540R/548K, 37A/46R/336V/540R/548K, 37A/56G/234Y/336V/523D/540R/548K/549D, 37A/56G/336V/523D/540R/548K, 37A/103L/336V/548K/549D, 37A/111K/523D, 37A/234Y/328Q/336V/523D, 37A/336V, 37A/548K/549D, 44R, 46R/103L/328Q/336V/523D, 46R/103L/336V, 46R/234Y/336V, 46R/234Y/540R/548K, 46R/336V/540R/549D, 202R, 202R/332Q/408E, 234Y/523D/540R/548K/549D, 336V/523D, 408E, and 523D/548K, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from I24T/K44R/R464Q, I24T/K201N/L202R/G351N/Q507R, I24T/L202R/G351N, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/R103L/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/Q111K/H234Y/E523D, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/Q111K/E523D/A540R, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/Q111K/H234Y, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/Q111K/S548K/G549D, K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/E523D, K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q111K/H234Y/A328Q/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q111K/I336V/A540R, K33N/Q37A/L46R/H234Y/E523D, K33N/Q37A/L46R/I336V, K33N/Q37A/L46R/S548K/G549D, K33N/Q37A/R56G/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R56G/H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/R103L/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/Q37A/Q111K/E523D/A540R, K33N/Q37A/Q111K/S548K, K33N/Q37A/H234Y/I336V/E523D/S548K, K33N/Q37A/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/L46R, K33N/L46R/R56G/Q111K/S548K, K33N/L46R/R56G/H234Y/A248V/G549D, K33N/L46R/R103L/E523D/G549D, K33N/R56G/R103L/Q111K, K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y, K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/S548K, K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/A540R/G549D, K33N/R103L/Q111K/I336V, K33N/Q111K/H234Y/S548K, K33N/H234Y/A328Q/E523D/A540R/G549D, K33N/H234Y/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D, K33N/H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K, K33N/H234Y/E523D/S548K, K33N/H234Y/A540R/S548K/G549D, K33N/I336V, K33N/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D, K33N/I336V/A540R/S548K, K33N/I336V/G549D, Q37A, Q37A/L46R/R56G/E523D, Q37A/L46R/H234Y, Q37A/L46R/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K, Q37A/R56G/H234Y/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D, Q37A/R56G/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K, Q37A/R103L/I336V/S548K/G549D, Q37A/Q111K/E523D, Q37A/H234Y/A328Q/I336V/E523D, Q37A/I336V, Q37A/S548K/G549D, K44R, L46R/R103L/A328Q/I336V/E523D, L46R/R103L/I336V, L46R/H234Y/I336V, L46R/H234Y/A540R/S548K, L46R/I336V/A540R/G549D, L202R, L202R/K332Q/D408E, H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D, I336V/E523D, D408E, and E523D/S548K, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 74, 102, 210, 313, 391, 392, 402, 415, 417, 418, 420, 424, 506, and 530, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 74A, 102P, 210T, 313I, 313M, 391N, 392A, 402A, 415F, 417A, 418V, 420L, 424A, 506C, and 530V, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from I74A, M102P, L210T, L313I, L313M, T391N, M392A, 5402A, L415F, G417A, L418V, I420L, S424A, R506C, and D530V, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 790.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 24, 24/44, 24/44/46/202/391, 24/44/111/202/464/506, 24/44/202/313/391/540, 24/44/549, 24/46/102/313/506, 24/46/103/111/464/506/549, 24/46/103/391/506, 24/46/111/313/391, 24/46/111/313/549, 24/46/111/506, 24/46/202/391/506, 24/46/549, 24/103/202, 24/202, 44/46/102/202/313/417, 44/46/103/111/391, 44/46/103/202/313/391, 44/46/103/202/417/464, 44/103/111/313/391/540, 44/111/464/506, 46/103/506, 46/111/417, 46/111/506, 46/202, 46/202/506/549, 46/313/391/540, 103/313/549, 111, 111/202, 111/202/313/391/464, 111/202/313/391/506, 111/202/313/417/540/549, 111/202/391, 111/202/391/540, 111/464/540/549, 202/313/391/549, 202/417/464/540/549, 202/464/506, 202/506/540, 202/506/540/549, 313/391/540/549, and 417, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1454. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 24T, 24T/44R, 24T/44R/46R/202R/391N, 24T/44R/111K/202R/464Q/506C, 24T/44R/202R/313M/391N/540R, 24T/44R/549D, 24T/46R/102P/313M/506C, 24T/46R/103L/1111K/464Q/506C/549D, 24T/46R/103L/391N/506C, 24T/46R/111K/313M/391N, 24T/46R/111K/313M/549D, 24T/46R/111K/506C, 24T/46R/202R/391N/506C, 24T/46R/549D, 24T/103L/202R, 24T/202R, 44R/46R/102P/202R/313M/417A, 44R/46R/103L/1111K/391N, 44R/46R/103L/202R/313M/391N, 44R/46R/103L/202R/417A/464Q, 44R/103L/1111K/313M/391N/540R, 44R/111K/464Q/506C, 46R/103L/506C, 46R/1111K/417A, 46R/1111K/506C, 46R/202R, 46R/202R/506C/549D, 46R/313M/391N/540R, 103L/313M/549D, 111K, 1111K/202R, 111K/202R/313M/391N/464Q, 111K/202R/313M/391N/506C, 111K/202R/313M/417A/540R/549D, 111K/202R/391N, 111K/202R/391N/540R, 111K/464Q/540R/549D, 202R/313M/391N/549D, 202R/417A/464Q/540R/549D, 202R/464Q/506C, 202R/506C/540R, 202R/506C/540R/549D, 313M/391N/540R/549D, and 417A, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1454. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from I24T, I24T/K44R, I24T/K44R/L46R/L202R/T391N, I24T/K44R/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/R506C, I24T/K44R/L202R/L313M/T391N/A540R, I24T/K44R/G549D, I24T/L46R/M102P/L313M/R506C, I24T/L46R/R103L/Q111K/R464Q/R506C/G549D, I24T/L46R/R103L/T391N/R506C, I24T/L46R/Q111K/L313M/T391N, I24T/L46R/Q111K/L313M/G549D, I24T/L46R/Q111K/R506C, I24T/L46R/L202R/T391N/R506C, I24T/L46R/G549D, I24T/R103L/L202R, I24T/L202R, K44R/L46R/M102P/L202R/L313M/G417A, K44R/L46R/R103L/Q111K/T391N, K44R/L46R/R103L/L202R/L313M/T391N, K44R/L46R/R103L/L202R/G417A/R464Q, K44R/R103L/Q111K/L313M/T391N/A540R, K44R/Q111K/R464Q/R506C, L46R/R103L/R506C, L46R/Q111K/G417A, L46R/Q111K/R506C, L46R/L202R, L46R/L202R/R506C/G549D, L46R/L313M/T391N/A540R, R103L/L313M/G549D, Q111K, Q111K/L202R, Q111K/L202R/L313M/T391N/R464Q, Q111K/L202R/L313M/T391N/R506C, Q111K/L202R/L313M/G417A/A540R/G549D, Q111K/L202R/T391N, Q111K/L202R/T391N/A540R, Q111K/R464Q/A540R/G549D, L202R/L313M/T391N/G549D, L202R/G417A/R464Q/A540R/G549D, L202R/R464Q/R506C, L202R/R506C/A540R, L202R/R506C/A540R/G549D, L313M/T391N/A540R/G549D, and G417A, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1454.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 20/44/202/506, 20/103/111/471/506, 20/202/313/471/506, 24, 27, 33, 36, 41, 44, 44/111/202/464/471/506/549, 44/202/464/506, 46, 48, 50, 51, 55, 56/111/506, 56/506, 59, 66, 66/528, 103/111/202/464/471, 103/111/471, 103/202/540, 103/464/549, 103/471, 111, 111/202/313/316, 111/202/313/471/506, 111/202/471, 111/506, 197, 202, 202/313/464/471/506, 202/464/506, 202/464/506/549, 208, 272, 289, 292/553, 305, 312/559, 313/464/471/506, 331, 332, 432, 435, 464, 464/506, 470, 500, 504, 506, 506/549, 518, 519, 523, 540, 543, 547, 547/553, 555, 556, and 559, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1578. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 20G/44R/202R/506R, 20G/103L/111K/471Y/506R, 20G/202R/313L/471Y/506R, 24E, 24K, 24Q, 24S, 27S, 33E, 36S, 36T, 41A, 41H, 41L, 41N, 41Q, 41S, 44E, 44P, 44R, 44R/111K/202R/464Q/471Y/506R/549D, 44R/202R/464Q/506R, 44S, 46A, 46S, 48A, 48G, 50M, 51A, 51H, 55S, 56G/111K/506R, 56G/506R, 59N, 59S, 66H/528R, 66K, 66N, 66T, 103L/111K/202R/464Q/471Y, 103L/111K/471Y, 103L/202R/540R, 103L/464Q/549D, 103L/471Y, 111K, 111K/202R/313L/316Q, 111K/202R/313L/471Y/506R, 111K/202R/471Y, 111K/506R, 197V, 202R, 202R/313L/464Q/471Y/506R, 202R/464Q/506R, 202R/464Q/506R/549D, 208M, 272A, 289L, 292L/553S, 305D, 305E, 312C/559Y, 313L/464Q/471Y/506R, 331G, 332N, 432L, 432T, 435A, 435T, 464N, 464Q/506R, 464S, 470I, 470T, 500L, 504A, 504L, 506E, 506R, 506R/549D, 518S, 519E, 519K, 519P, 519T, 523H, 540H, 540R, 543T, 543V, 547G, 547M/553I, 555S, 556L, 556V, 559C, 559H, 559I, 559L, 559M, and 559Y, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1578. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from D20G/K44R/L202R/C506R, D20G/R103L/Q111K/Q471Y/C506R, D20G/L202R/M313L/Q471Y/C506R, T24E, T24K, T24Q, T24S, D27S, N33E, A36S, A36T, Y41A, Y41H, Y41L, Y41N, Y41Q, Y41S, K44E, K44P, K44R, K44R/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R/G549D, K44R/L202R/R464Q/C506R, K445, R46A, R46S, T48A, T48G, K50M, E51A, E51H, Q55S, R56G/Q111K/C506R, R56G/C506R, A59N, A59S, Q66H/W528R, Q66K, Q66N, Q66T, R103L/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/Q471Y, R103L/Q111K/Q471Y, R103L/L202R/A540R, R103L/R464Q/G549D, R103L/Q471Y, Q111K, Q111K/L202R/M313L/L316Q, Q111K/L202R/M313L/Q471Y/C506R, Q111K/L202R/Q471Y, Q111K/C506R, P197V, L202R, L202R/M313L/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R, L202R/R464Q/C506R, L202R/R464Q/C506R/G549D, L208M, P272A, Q289L, R292L/V553S, Q305D, Q305E, S312C/V559Y, M313L/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R, A331G, K332N, Y432L, Y432T, S435A, S435T, R464N, R464Q/C506R, R464S, Q470I, Q470T, C500L, R504A, R504L, C506E, C506R, C506R/G549D, K518S, A519E, A519K, A519P, A519T, D523H, A540H, A540R, A543T, A543V, T547G, T547M/V553I, A555S, I556L, I556V, V559C, V559H, V559I, V559L, V559M, and V559Y, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1578.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 20, 20/44/208/272/519, 20/111/208/272/410/432, 20/197/432/519, 24, 24/46/410/435/518, 36/55/305/332/410, 36/66/197/305/332/457, 36/66/197/305/410, 36/66/305, 36/66/305/332/410, 36/66/305/500, 36/197/305, 36/197/305/332/410, 36/197/305/332/410/500, 36/197/305/332/410/559, 36/197/305/332/500, 36/197/305/410, 36/197/305/500, 36/305, 36/305/332, 36/305/332/410, 36/305/410, 41/44/46/111/272, 41/432/526, 44/46/111/208, 44/46/111/432/519, 44/111/432/519/526, 44/208/432/435, 46/111/208/272/435/526, 46/208/272/432/435/526, 46/432/471, 55/305, 55/305/332/457/543/547, 55/305/500/559, 66/305, 66/305/332, 111, 111/272/432/435, 111/272/471/526, 111/272/519, 111/432/435, 111/432/526, 111/526, 134/202/305, 197/305, 197/305/332/410, 197/305/332/500/543/547, 197/305/410, 197/305/500, 208, 208/272/432, 208/410/435, 208/435/519, 211/410, 272, 272/435/526, 298/410, 305, 305/332, 305/332/410, 305/332/410/500, 305/332/457, 305/332/457/500, 305/332/457/555, 305/332/500, 305/410, 305/500/543/547, 410, 432/526, 435, 435/518, 435/519/526, 471, 471/526, and 519, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1660. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 20G, 20G/44E/208M/272A/519K, 20G/111K/208M/272A/410M/432T, 20G/197V/432T/519K, 24E, 24E/46S/410M/435T/518S, 36S/55S/305D/332N/410M, 36S/66N/197V/305D/332N/457S, 36S/66N/197V/305D/410M, 36S/66N/305D, 36S/66N/305D/332N/410M, 36S/66N/305D/500L, 36S/197V/305D, 36S/197V/305D/332N/410M, 36S/197V/305D/332N/410M/500L, 36S/197V/305D/332N/410M/559I, 36S/197V/305D/332N/500L, 36S/197V/305D/410M, 36S/197V/305D/500L, 36S/305D, 36S/305D/332N, 36S/305D/332N/410M, 36S/305D/410M, 41L/44E/46S/111K/272A, 41L/432T/526L, 44E/46S/111K/208M, 44E/46S/111K/432T/519K, 44E/111K/432L/519K/526L, 44E/208M/432T/435T, 46S/111K/208M/272A/435T/526L, 46S/208M/272A/432L/435T/526L, 46S/432L/471Y, 55S/305D, 55S/305D/332N/457S/543V/547G, 55S/305D/500L/559I, 66N/305D, 66N/305D/332N, 111K, 111K/272A/432T/435T, 111K/272A/471Y/526L, 111K/272A/519K, 111K/432L/435T, 111K/432T/526L, 111K/526L, 134C/202L/305D, 197V/305D, 197V/305D/332N/410M, 197V/305D/332N/500L/543V/547G, 197V/305D/410M, 197V/305D/500L, 208M, 208M/272A/432L, 208M/410M/435T, 208M/435T/519K, 211Q/410I, 272A, 272A/435T/526L, 298G/410I, 305D, 305D/332N, 305D/332N/410M, 305D/332N/410M/500L, 305D/332N/457S, 305D/332N/457S/500L, 305D/332N/457S/555S, 305D/332N/500L, 305D/410M, 305D/500L/543V/547G, 410L, 432L/526L, 435T, 435T/518S, 435T/519K/526L, 471Y, 471Y/526L, and 519K, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1660. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from D20G, D20G/K44E/L208M/P272A/A519K, D20G/Q111K/L208M/P272A/P410M/Y432T, D20G/P197V/Y432T/A519K, T24E, T24E/R46S/P410M/S435T/K518S, A36S/Q55S/Q305D/K332N/P410M, A36S/Q66N/P197V/Q305D/K332N/G457S, A36S/Q66N/P197V/Q305D/P410M, A36S/Q66N/Q305D, A36S/Q66N/Q305D/K332N/P410M, A36S/Q66N/Q305D/C500L, A36S/P197V/Q305D, A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M, A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M/C500L, A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M/V559I, A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/C500L, A36S/P197V/Q305D/P410M, A36S/P197V/Q305D/C500L, A36S/Q305D, A36S/Q305D/K332N, A36S/Q305D/K332N/P410M, A36S/Q305D/P410M, Y41L/K44E/R46S/Q111K/P272A, Y41L/Y432T/Y526L, K44E/R46S/Q111K/L208M, K44E/R46S/Q111K/Y432T/A519K, K44E/Q111K/Y432L/A519K/Y526L, K44E/L208M/Y432T/S435T, R46S/Q111K/L208M/P272A/S435T/Y526L, R46S/L208M/P272A/Y432L/S435T/Y526L, R46S/Y432L/Q471Y, Q55S/Q305D, Q55S/Q305D/K332N/G457S/A543V/T547G, Q55S/Q305D/C500L/V559I, Q66N/Q305D, Q66N/Q305D/K332N, Q111K, Q111K/P272A/Y432T/S435T, Q111K/P272A/Q471Y/Y526L, Q111K/P272A/A519K, Q111K/Y432L/S435T, Q111K/Y432T/Y526L, Q111K/Y526L, S134C/R202L/Q305D, P197V/Q305D, P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M, P197V/Q305D/K332N/C500L/A543V/T547G, P197V/Q305D/P410M, P197V/Q305D/C500L, L208M, L208M/P272A/Y432L, L208M/P410M/S435T, L208M/S435T/A519K, L211Q/P410I, P272A, P272A/S435T/Y526L, S298G/P410I, Q305D, Q305D/K332N, Q305D/K332N/P410M, Q305D/K332N/P410M/C500L, Q305D/K332N/G457S, Q305D/K332N/G457S/C500L, Q305D/K332N/G457S/A555S, Q305D/K332N/C500L, Q305D/P410M, Q305D/C500L/A543V/T547G, P410L, Y432L/Y526L, S435T, S435T/K518S, S435T/A519K/Y526L, Q471Y, Q471Y/Y526L, and A519K, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1660.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 24/59/111/289/504, 24/111/289, 24/111/289/500/504, 24/111/432, 24/111/435/500, 24/289, 24/432/435/504, 41/44/208/547, 41/51/410/543, 41/208/410/543/547, 41/208/518/519/547, 41/208/547, 41/410/518/543, 41/410/518/547, 41/543, 44/208/518/547, 51/519, 59/66/111/289/432/500, 59/66/111/432/500, 59/66/111/432/504, 59/66/289/500/504/556, 59/111, 59/111/432/500, 59/289, 59/289/435, 59/432, 59/432/435/504/556, 66/111, 111, 111/289, 111/289/435, 111/289/435/500, 111/289/500, 111/331/432/504, 111/331/435/500, 111/432, 111/432/500, 111/500/504, 208, 208/211/410/519, 208/211/547, 211, 211/518/519/547, 211/547, 289, 289/432, 289/432/435, 289/435, 289/435/500/504, 289/435/504/556, 289/504, 410, 432, 435/504, 504, 504/556, 519, and 547, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1844.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 24K/59S/111K/289L/504A, 24K/111K/289L, 24K/111K/289L/500L/504A, 24K/111K/432L, 24K/111K/435T/500L, 24K/289L, 24K/432L/435T/504A, 41Q/44P/208M/547G, 41Q/51A/410L/543V, 41Q/208M/410L/543V/547G, 41Q/208M/518S/519T/547G, 41Q/208M/547G, 41Q/410L/5185/543V, 41Q/410L/5185/547G, 41Q/543V, 44R/208M/518S/547G, 51A/519T, 59S/66T/111K/289L/432L/500L, 595/66T/111K/432L/500L, 59S/66T/111K/432L/504A, 59S/66T/289L/500L/504A/556L, 59S/111K, 59S/111K/432L/500L, 59S/289L, 59S/289L/435T, 59S/432L, 59S/432L/435T/504A/556L, 66T/111K, 111K, 111K/289L, 111K/289L/435T, 111K/289L/435T/500L, 111K/289L/500L, 111K/331G/432L/504A, 111K/331G/435T/500L, 111K/432L, 111K/432L/500L, 111K/500L/504A, 208M, 208M/211Q/410L/519T, 208M/211Q/547G, 211Q, 211Q/518S/519T/547G, 211Q/547G, 289L, 289L/432L, 289L/432L/435T, 289L/435T, 289L/435T/500L/504A, 289L/435T/504A/556L, 289L/504A, 410L, 432L, 435T/504A, 504A, 504A/556L, 519T, and 547G, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1844. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from T24K/A59S/Q111K/Q289L/R504A, T24K/Q111K/Q289L, T24K/Q111K/Q289L/C500L/R504A, T24K/Q111K/Y432L, T24K/Q111K/S435T/C500L, T24K/Q289L, T24K/Y432L/S435T/R504A, Y41Q/K44P/L208M/T547G, Y41Q/E51A/M410L/A543V, Y41Q/L208M/M410L/A543V/T547G, Y41Q/L208M/K518S/A519T/T547G, Y41Q/L208M/T547G, Y41Q/M410L/K518S/A543V, Y41Q/M410L/K518S/T547G, Y41Q/A543V, K44R/L208M/K518S/T547G, E51A/A519T, A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Q289L/Y432L/C500L, A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Y432L/C500L, A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Y432L/R504A, A59S/Q66T/Q289L/C500L/R504A/I556L, A59S/Q111K, A59S/Q111K/Y432L/C500L, A59S/Q289L, A59S/Q289L/S435T, A59S/Y432L, A59S/Y432L/S435T/R504A/I556L, Q66T/Q111K, Q111K, Q111K/Q289L, Q111K/Q289L/S435T, Q111K/Q289L/S435T/C500L, Q111K/Q289L/C500L, Q111K/A331G/Y432L/R504A, Q111K/A331G/S435T/C500L, Q111K/Y432L, Q111K/Y432L/C500L, Q111K/C500L/R504A, L208M, L208M/L211Q/M410L/A519T, L208M/L211Q/T547G, L211Q, L211Q/K518S/A519T/T547G, L211Q/T547G, Q289L, Q289L/Y432L, Q289L/Y432L/S435T, Q289L/S435T, Q289L/S435T/C500L/R504A, Q289L/S435T/R504A/I556L, Q289L/R504A, M410L, Y432L, S435T/R504A, R504A, R504A/I556L, A519T, and T547G, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1844.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 4, 8, 11, 13, 13/22/45/512, 13/45, 13/45/512, 17, 19, 45, 45/244/324/513, 45/436/512/513, 45/512, 144, 251, 324, 327, 341, and 428, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2030. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 4D, 8D, 8G, 8R, 11A, 11D, 11G, 11K, 11S, 13Q/45V/512V, 13R, 13S/22T/45V/512V, 13S/45V, 17Q, 19H, 45V, 45V/244M/324V/513R, 45V/436I/512V/513R, 45V/512V, 144L, 251V, 324R, 327M, 341A, and 428V, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2030. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from A4D, Q8D, Q8G, Q8R, T11A, T11D, T11G, T11K, T11S, K13Q/A45V/I512V, K13R, K13S/V22T/A45V/I512V, K13S/A45V, T17Q, S19H, A45V, A45V/L244M/A324V/K513R, A45V/L436I/I512V/K513R, A45V/I512V, I144L, L251V, A324R, I327M, V341A, and L428V, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2030.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 2, 4, 4/8/11/13/22/111/504, 4/8/11/17/324/428/504, 4/8/11/22/111, 4/8/22/111/504, 4/17/241/519/547, 4/324, 4/428, 6, 7, 8/11/13/324, 8/11/17/22/324/504/519, 8/11/111/504, 10, 11/13/504, 11/17/22/324, 14, 16, 39, 57, 228, 228/259, 236, 305/307/425, 316, 385, 425, 430, 437, 478, and 505, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2114.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 2G, 2T, 4D, 4D/8D/11G/17P/324V/428V/504A, 4D/8D/22T/111K/504A, 4D/8R/11D/13R/22T/111K/504A, 4D/8R/11D/22T/111K, 4D/17Q/241S/519T/547A, 4D/324V, 4D/428V, 6G, 7Q, 8D/11D/13R/324V, 8D/11D/17Q/22T/324V/504A/519T, 8D/11D/111K/504A, 10G, 11D/17Q/22T/324V, 11G/13R/504A, 14G, 16Q, 16T, 39S, 57I, 228M, 228M/259H, 236V, 305E/307N/425V, 316T, 385A, 425V, 430E, 437G, 478L, and 505S, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2114. In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from I2G, I2T, A4D, A4D/Q8D/T11G/T17P/A324V/L428V/R504A, A4D/Q8D/V22T/Q111K/R504A, A4D/Q8R/T11D/K13R/V22T/Q111K/R504A, A4D/Q8R/T11D/V22T/Q111K, A4D/T17Q/A2415/A519T/T547A, A4D/A324V, A4D/L428V, Q6G, T7Q, Q8D/T11D/K13R/A324V, Q8D/T11D/T17Q/V22T/A324V/R504A/A519T, Q8D/T11D/Q111K/R504A, F10G, T11D/T17Q/V22T/A324V, T11G/K13R/R504A, S14G, H16Q, H16T, A39S, V57I, I228M, I228M/Q259H, A236V, D305E/I307N/I425V, L316T, V385A, I425V, T430E, T437G, M478L, and T5055, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2114.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution set at one or more amino acid positions selected from 4/7/57/111, 4/7/111/114/437/547, 4/16/385/478, 4/57/111/437, 7/385/547, 10/16/437, 16, 16/41/57/111/385/547, 16/41/57/437/478, 16/41/437, 16/57, 16/241/437, 16/385, 16/385/437, 16/385/478/547, 16/437, 20/385/437/478/547, 57, 57/111/114, 57/111/478/547, 57/437, 111/114/202/234/289/305/313/324/332/336/410/432/435/464/504/512/519/523/548/549, 111/241/437/478, 111/478, 241, 241/385, 241/385/478, 241/385/478/547, 241/437, 385, 385/437, 385/437/478/547, 437, 437/478, and 478, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2156.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from 4D/7Q/57I/111K, 4D/7Q/111K/1145/437G/547G, 4D/16Q/385A/478L, 4D/57I/111K/437G, 7Q/385A/547G, 10G/16Q/437G, 16Q, 16Q/41Q/57I/111K/385A/547G, 16Q/41Q/57I/437G/478L, 16Q/41Q/437G, 16Q/57I, 16Q/2415/437G, 16Q/385A, 16Q/385A/437G, 16Q/385A/478L/547G, 16Q/437G, 20G/385A/437G/478L/547G, 57I, 57I/111K/114S, 57I/111K/478L/547G, 57I/437G, 111K/1145/202L/234H/289Q/305Q/313L/324A/332K/3361/410P/432Y/4355/464R/504R/5121/519A/523E/548S/549G, 111K/2415/437G/478L, 111K/478L, 241S, 241S/385A, 2415/385A/478L, 2415/385A/478L/547G, 2415/437G, 385A, 385A/437G, 385A/437G/478L/547G, 437G, 437G/478L, and 478L, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2156.

In some embodiments, the tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises at least one substitution or substitution sets selected from A4D/T7Q/V57I/Q111K, A4D/T7Q/Q111K/P1145/T437G/T547G, A4D/H16Q/V385A/M478L, A4D/V57I/Q111K/T437G, T7Q/V385A/T547G, F10G/H16Q/T437G, H16Q, H16Q/Y41Q/V57I/Q111K/V385A/T547G, H16Q/Y41Q/V57I/T437G/M478L, H16Q/Y41Q/T437G, H16Q/V57I, H16Q/A241S/T437G, H16Q/V385A, H16Q/V385A/T437G, H16Q/V385A/M478L/T547G, H16Q/T437G, D20G/V385A/T437G/M478L/T547G, V57I, V57I/Q111K/P114S, V57I/Q111K/M478L/T547G, V57I/T437G, Q111K/P1145/R202L/Y234H/L289Q/D305Q/M313L/V324A/N332K/V3361/M410P/L432Y/T435S/Q464R/A504R/V5121/T519A/D523E/K548S/D549G, Q111K/A241S/T437G/M478L, Q111K/M478L, A241S, A241S/V385A, A241S/V385A/M478L, A241S/V385A/M478L/T547G, A241S/T437G, V385A, V385A/T437G, V385A/T437G/M478L/T547G, T437G, T437G/M478L, and M478L, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2156.

The present invention also provides the variants provided in Tables 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1. In some embodiments, the variant comprises at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine lyase variant comprises at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some additional embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine lyase variant comprises at least 90% sequence identity to at least one of the even numbered sequences in SEQ ID NOS: 10-2290. In some additional embodiments, the polypeptide of the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase variant comprises one of the even-numbered sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 10-2290. In some further embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase comprises a sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some additional embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein is thermostable. In some further embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is resistant to proteolysis. In yet some additional embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is resistant to at least one digestive tract protease. In some embodiments, the digestive tract protease is selected from chymotrypsin, trypsin, carboxypeptidases, and elastases. In some further embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is acid stable. In some additional embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is acid stable and resistant to proteolysis. In yet some additional embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is purified. In some further embodiments, the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase exhibits at least one improved property selected from: i) enhanced catalytic activity; ii) reduced sensitivity to proteolysis; iii) increased tolerance to acidic pH; iv) reduced aggregation; v) decreased Km for tyrosine; vi) decreased immunogenicity; or a combination of any of i), ii), iii), iv), v), and/or vi), as compared to a reference sequence. In some embodiments, the reference sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

The present invention also provides compositions comprising at least one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein.

The present invention also provides recombinant polynucleotide sequences encoding at least one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein. In some embodiment, a recombinant polynucleotide sequence encodes one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide sequence is codon-optimized. In some additional embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises at least 90% sequence identity to at least one of the odd-numbered sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 9-2289. In yet some further embodiments, the recombinant polynucleotide sequence comprises an odd-numbered sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 9-2289.

The present invention also provides expression vectors comprising at least one recombinant polynucleotide sequence encoding a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein. In some embodiments, the expression vectors comprises a recombinant polynucleotide sequence encoding a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein. In some embodiments of the expression vectors, the recombinant polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to a control sequence. In some additional embodiments of the expression vectors, the control sequence comprises a promoter. In some additional embodiments of the expression vectors, the control sequence is a promoter. In some embodiments of the expression vectors, the promoter is a heterologous promoter.

The present invention also provides host cells comprising at least one expression vector provided herein. In some embodiments, the host cell comprises one expression vector provided herein, while in some alternative embodiments, the host cell comprises two or more expression vectors provided herein. In some embodiments, the host cell is prokaryotic, while in some alternative embodiments, the host cell is eukaryotic.

The present invention also provides methods of producing a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase, comprising culturing at least one host cell provided herein, under conditions that the tyrosine ammonia lyase encoded by the recombinant polynucleotide is produced. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of recovering the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase. In some additional embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of purifying the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of tyrosinemia comprising at least one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase provided herein. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or excipient. In some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for oral administration to a human. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule, gelcap, liquid, or emulsion. In yet some further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is coadministered with nitisinone. In some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises nitisinone. In some embodiments, the pill, tablet, capsule, or gelcap further comprises an enteric coating. In some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for parenteral injection into a human. In yet some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is coadministered with a phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pill, tablet, capsule, or gelcap that further comprises an enteric coating. In yet some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is coadministered with both nitisinone and a phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises both nitisinone and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pill, tablet, capsule, or gelcap that further comprises an enteric coating.

The present invention also provides methods for treating and/or preventing the symptoms of tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria in a subject, comprising providing a subject having tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria, and providing at least one pharmaceutical composition provided herein to the subject. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering more than one composition or pharmaceutical composition provided herein are administered to the subject. In some alternative embodiments, only one composition or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, the symptoms of tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria are ameliorated. In yet some further embodiments, the subject is able to eat a diet that is less restricted in its phenylalanine, methionine, and/or tyrosine content than diets required by subjects exhibiting the symptoms of tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria. In some embodiments, the subject is an infant or child, while in some alternative embodiments, the subject is an adult or young adult.

The present invention also provides methods for the production of L-tyrosine and/or L-tyrosine derivatives comprising the steps of providing at least one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase(s) provided herein and a suitable substrate, and combining the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase(s) and the substrate under conditions such that L-tyrosine and/or at least one L-tyrosine derivative is produced. In some embodiments, only one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is utilized in the methods, while in some alternative embodiments, at least two recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyases are utilized.

The present invention also provides methods for the production of coumaric acid, comprising the steps of providing at least one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase, and a suitable substrate, and combining the recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase(s) and the substrate under conditions such that coumaric acid is produced. In some embodiments, only one recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is utilized in the methods, while in some alternative embodiments, at least two recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyases are utilized.

The present invention also provides use of the compositions and pharmaceutical compositions provided herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity and enhanced acid stability, while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

Abbreviations and Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures of cell culture, molecular genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and nucleic acid chemistry described below are those well-known and commonly employed in the art. Such techniques are well-known and described in numerous texts and reference works well known to those of skill in the art. Standard techniques, or modifications thereof, are used for chemical syntheses and chemical analyses. All patents, patent applications, articles and publications mentioned herein, both supra and infra, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Although any suitable methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein find use in the practice of the present invention, some methods and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described, as these may vary, depending upon the context they are used by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully described by reference to the application as a whole. All patents, patent applications, articles and publications mentioned herein, both supra and infra, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Also, as used herein, the singular “a”, “an,” and “the” include the plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Thus, every numerical range disclosed herein is intended to encompass every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. It is also intended that every maximum (or minimum) numerical limitation disclosed herein includes every lower (or higher) numerical limitation, as if such lower (or higher) numerical limitations were expressly written herein.

The term “about” means an acceptable error for a particular value. In some instances “about” means within 0.05%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 2.0%, of a given value range. In some instances, “about” means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations of a given value. In some instances, “about” encompasses values that are within 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, or 10% of a given value.

Furthermore, the headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of the invention which can be had by reference to the application as a whole. Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully defined by reference to the application as a whole. Nonetheless, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, a number of terms are defined below.

Unless otherwise indicated, nucleic acids are written left to right in 5′ to 3′ orientation; amino acid sequences are written left to right in amino to carboxy orientation, respectively.

As used herein, the term “comprising” and its cognates are used in their inclusive sense (i.e., equivalent to the term “including” and its corresponding cognates).

“EC” number refers to the Enzyme Nomenclature of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NC-IUBMB). The IUBMB biochemical classification is a numerical classification system for enzymes based on the chemical reactions they catalyze.

“ATCC” refers to the American Type Culture Collection whose biorepository collection includes genes and strains.

“NCBI” refers to National Center for Biological Information and the sequence databases provided therein.

As used herein, the terms “tyrosine ammonia-lyase” “tyrosine ammonia lyase,” “tyrosine ammonia lyase polypeptide” and “TAL” refer to a class of enzymes within the aromatic amino acid lyase family (EC 4.3.1.23, EC 4.3.1.24 and EC4.3.1.25) which also includes histidine ammonia-lyase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.

“Protein,” “polypeptide,” and “peptide” are used interchangeably herein to denote a polymer of at least two amino acids covalently linked by an amide bond, regardless of length or post-translational modification (e.g., glycosylation or phosphorylation).

“Amino acids” are referred to herein by either their commonly known three-letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission. Nucleotides, likewise, may be referred to by their commonly accepted single letter codes. “Amino acids” are referred to herein by either their commonly known three-letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission. Nucleotides, likewise, may be referred to by their commonly accepted single letter codes. The abbreviations used for the genetically encoded amino acids are conventional and are as follows: alanine (Ala or A), arginine (Arg or R), asparagine (Asn or N), aspartate (Asp or D), cysteine (Cys or C), glutamate (Glu or E), glutamine (Gln or Q), histidine (His or H), isoleucine (Ile or I), leucine (Leu or L), lysine (Lys or K), methionine (Met or M), phenylalanine (Phe or F), proline (Pro or P), serine (Ser or S), threonine (Thr or T), tryptophan (Trp or W), tyrosine (Tyr or Y), and valine (Val or V). When the three-letter abbreviations are used, unless specifically preceded by an “L” or a “D” or clear from the context in which the abbreviation is used, the amino acid may be in either the L- or D-configuration about α-carbon (C_(α)). For example, whereas “Ala” designates alanine without specifying the configuration about the α-carbon, “D-Ala” and “L-Ala” designate D-alanine and L-alanine, respectively. When the one-letter abbreviations are used, upper case letters designate amino acids in the L-configuration about the α-carbon and lower case letters designate amino acids in the D-configuration about the α-carbon. For example, “A” designates L-alanine and “a” designates D-alanine. When polypeptide sequences are presented as a string of one-letter or three-letter abbreviations (or mixtures thereof), the sequences are presented in the amino (N) to carboxy (C) direction in accordance with common convention.

The abbreviations used for the genetically encoding nucleosides are conventional and are as follows: adenosine (A); guanosine (G); cytidine (C); thymidine (T); and uridine (U). Unless specifically delineated, the abbreviated nucleosides may be either ribonucleosides or 2′-deoxyribonucleosides. The nucleosides may be specified as being either ribonucleosides or 2′-deoxyribonucleosides on an individual basis or on an aggregate basis. When nucleic acid sequences are presented as a string of one-letter abbreviations, the sequences are presented in the 5′ to 3′ direction in accordance with common convention, and the phosphates are not indicated.

The term “engineered,” “recombinant,” “non-naturally occurring,” and “variant,” when used with reference to a cell, a polynucleotide or a polypeptide refers to a material or a material corresponding to the natural or native form of the material that has been modified in a manner that would not otherwise exist in nature or is identical thereto but produced or derived from synthetic materials and/or by manipulation using recombinant techniques.

As used herein, “wild-type” and “naturally-occurring” refer to the form found in nature. For example a wild-type polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence is a sequence present in an organism that can be isolated from a source in nature and which has not been intentionally modified by human manipulation.

“Deimmunized” as used herein, refers to the manipulation of a protein to create a variant that is not as immunogenic as the wild-type or reference protein. In some embodiments, the deimmunization is complete, in that the variant protein does not stimulate an immune response in patients to whom the variant protein is administered. This response can be measured by various methods including but not limited to, the presence or abundance of anti-drug antibodies, the presence or abundance of neutralizing antibodies, the presence of an anaphylactic response, or the prevalence or intensity of cytokine release upon administration of the protein. In some embodiments, the variant protein is less immunogenic than the wild-type or reference protein. In some embodiments, deimmunization involves modifications to proteins (e.g., epitopes) that are recognized by T-cell receptors. In some embodiments, the T-cell epitopes are removed from a wild-type or reference protein in order to produce a deimmunized variant protein. In some embodiments, the deimmunized protein shows lower levels of response in biochemical and cell-biological predictors of human immunological responses including dendritic-cell T-cell activation assays, or human leukocyte antigen (HLA) peptide binding assays.

“Coding sequence” refers to that part of a nucleic acid (e.g., a gene) that encodes an amino acid sequence of a protein.

The term “percent (%) sequence identity” is used herein to refer to comparisons among polynucleotides and polypeptides, and are determined by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a comparison window, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) as compared to the reference sequence for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage may be calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Alternatively, the percentage may be calculated by determining the number of positions at which either the identical nucleic acid base or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences or a nucleic acid base or amino acid residue is aligned with a gap to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Those of skill in the art appreciate that there are many established algorithms available to align two sequences. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Smith and Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math., 2:482 [1981]), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol., 48:443 [1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman (Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444 [1988]), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (e.g., GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the GCG Wisconsin Software Package), or by visual inspection, as known in the art. Examples of algorithms that are suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity include, but are not limited to the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms, which are described by Altschul et al. (See, Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 215: 403-410 [1990]; and Altschul et al., 1977, Nucleic Acids Res., 3389-3402 [1977], respectively). Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information website. This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as, the neighborhood word score threshold (See, Altschul et al., supra). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are then extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=−4, and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 3, an expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (See, Henikoff and Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915 [1989]). Exemplary determination of sequence alignment and % sequence identity can employ the BESTFIT or GAP programs in the GCG Wisconsin Software package (Accelrys, Madison Wis.), using default parameters provided.

“Reference sequence” refers to a defined sequence used as a basis for a sequence comparison. A reference sequence may be a subset of a larger sequence, for example, a segment of a full-length gene or polypeptide sequence. Generally, a reference sequence is at least 20 nucleotide or amino acid residues in length, at least 25 residues in length, at least 50 residues in length, at least 100 residues in length or the full length of the nucleic acid or polypeptide. Since two polynucleotides or polypeptides may each (1) comprise a sequence (i.e., a portion of the complete sequence) that is similar between the two sequences, and (2) may further comprise a sequence that is divergent between the two sequences, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides or polypeptide are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides or polypeptides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. In some embodiments, a “reference sequence” can be based on a primary amino acid sequence, where the reference sequence is a sequence that can have one or more changes in the primary sequence.

“Comparison window” refers to a conceptual segment of at least about 20 contiguous nucleotide positions or amino acids residues wherein a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides or amino acids and wherein the portion of the sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) of 20 percent or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The comparison window can be longer than 20 contiguous residues, and includes, optionally 30, 40, 50, 100, or longer windows.

“Corresponding to”, “reference to” or “relative to” when used in the context of the numbering of a given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence refers to the numbering of the residues of a specified reference sequence when the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence is compared to the reference sequence. In other words, the residue number or residue position of a given polymer is designated with respect to the reference sequence rather than by the actual numerical position of the residue within the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence. For example, a given amino acid sequence, such as that of an engineered TAL, can be aligned to a reference sequence by introducing gaps to optimize residue matches between the two sequences. In these cases, although the gaps are present, the numbering of the residue in the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence is made with respect to the reference sequence to which it has been aligned.

“Amino acid difference” or “residue difference” refers to a difference in the amino acid residue at a position of a polypeptide sequence relative to the amino acid residue at a corresponding position in a reference sequence. The positions of amino acid differences generally are referred to herein as “Xn,” where n refers to the corresponding position in the reference sequence upon which the residue difference is based. For example, a “residue difference at position X93 as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2” refers to a difference of the amino acid residue at the polypeptide position corresponding to position 93 of SEQ ID NO: 2. Thus, if the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 has a leucine at position 93, then a “residue difference at position X93 as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2” has an amino acid substitution of any residue other than leucine at the position of the polypeptide corresponding to position 93 of SEQ ID NO: 2. In most instances herein, the specific amino acid residue difference at a position is indicated as “XnY” where “Xn” specified the corresponding position as described above, and “Y” is the single letter identifier of the amino acid found in the engineered polypeptide (i.e., the different residue than in the reference polypeptide). In some instances, the present disclosure also provides specific amino acid differences denoted by the conventional notation “AnB”, where A is the single letter identifier of the residue in the reference sequence, “n” is the number of the residue position in the reference sequence, and B is the single letter identifier of the residue substitution in the sequence of the engineered polypeptide. In some instances, a polypeptide of the present disclosure can include one or more amino acid residue differences relative to a reference sequence, which is indicated by a list of the specified positions where residue differences are present relative to the reference sequence. In some embodiments, where more than one amino acid can be used in a specific residue position of a polypeptide, the various amino acid residues that can be used are separated by a “/” (e.g., X307H/X307P or X307H/P). The present application includes engineered polypeptide sequences comprising one or more amino acid differences that include either/or both conservative and non-conservative amino acid substitutions.

“Conservative amino acid substitution” refers to a substitution of a residue with a different residue having a similar side chain, and thus typically involves substitution of the amino acid in the polypeptide with amino acids within the same or similar defined class of amino acids. By way of example and not limitation, an amino acid with an aliphatic side chain may be substituted with another aliphatic amino acid (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine); an amino acid with hydroxyl side chain is substituted with another amino acid with a hydroxyl side chain (e.g., serine and threonine); an amino acids having aromatic side chains is substituted with another amino acid having an aromatic side chain (e.g., phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and histidine); an amino acid with a basic side chain is substituted with another amino acid with a basis side chain (e.g., lysine and arginine); an amino acid with an acidic side chain is substituted with another amino acid with an acidic side chain (e.g., aspartic acid or glutamic acid); and/or a hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid is replaced with another hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid, respectively.

“Non-conservative substitution” refers to substitution of an amino acid in the polypeptide with an amino acid with significantly differing side chain properties. Non-conservative substitutions may use amino acids between, rather than within, the defined groups and affects (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution (e.g., proline for glycine) (b) the charge or hydrophobicity, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. By way of example and not limitation, an exemplary non-conservative substitution can be an acidic amino acid substituted with a basic or aliphatic amino acid; an aromatic amino acid substituted with a small amino acid; and a hydrophilic amino acid substituted with a hydrophobic amino acid.

“Deletion” refers to modification to the polypeptide by removal of one or more amino acids from the reference polypeptide. Deletions can comprise removal of 1 or more amino acids, 2 or more amino acids, 5 or more amino acids, 10 or more amino acids, 15 or more amino acids, or 20 or more amino acids, up to 10% of the total number of amino acids, or up to 20% of the total number of amino acids making up the reference enzyme while retaining enzymatic activity and/or retaining the improved properties of an engineered transaminase enzyme. Deletions can be directed to the internal portions and/or terminal portions of the polypeptide. In various embodiments, the deletion can comprise a continuous segment or can be discontinuous.

“Insertion” refers to modification to the polypeptide by addition of one or more amino acids from the reference polypeptide. Insertions can be in the internal portions of the polypeptide, or to the carboxy or amino terminus. Insertions as used herein include fusion proteins as is known in the art. The insertion can be a contiguous segment of amino acids or separated by one or more of the amino acids in the naturally occurring polypeptide.

A “functional fragment” or a “biologically active fragment” used interchangeably herein refers to a polypeptide that has an amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal deletion(s) and/or internal deletions, but where the remaining amino acid sequence is identical to the corresponding positions in the sequence to which it is being compared (e.g., a full-length engineered TAL of the present invention) and that retains substantially all of the activity of the full-length polypeptide.

“Isolated polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide which is substantially separated from other contaminants that naturally accompany it (e.g., protein, lipids, and polynucleotides). The term embraces polypeptides which have been removed or purified from their naturally-occurring environment or expression system (e.g., host cell or in vitro synthesis). The recombinant TAL polypeptides may be present within a cell, present in the cellular medium, or prepared in various forms, such as lysates or isolated preparations. As such, in some embodiments, the recombinant TAL polypeptides can be an isolated polypeptide.

“Substantially pure polypeptide” refers to a composition in which the polypeptide species is the predominant species present (i.e., on a molar or weight basis it is more abundant than any other individual macromolecular species in the composition), and is generally a substantially purified composition when the object species comprises at least about 50 percent of the macromolecular species present by mole or % weight. Generally, a substantially pure TAL composition comprises about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, and about 98% or more of all macromolecular species by mole or % weight present in the composition. In some embodiments, the object species is purified to essential homogeneity (i.e., contaminant species cannot be detected in the composition by conventional detection methods) wherein the composition consists essentially of a single macromolecular species. Solvent species, small molecules (<500 Daltons), and elemental ion species are not considered macromolecular species. In some embodiments, the isolated recombinant TAL polypeptides are substantially pure polypeptide compositions.

“Improved enzyme property” refers to an engineered TAL polypeptide that exhibits an improvement in any enzyme property as compared to a reference TAL polypeptide and/or as a wild-type PAL polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2) or another engineered TAL polypeptide. Improved properties include but are not limited to such properties as increased protein expression, increased thermoactivity, increased thermostability, increased pH activity, increased stability, increased enzymatic activity, increased substrate specificity or affinity, increased specific activity, increased resistance to substrate or end-product inhibition, increased chemical stability, improved chemoselectivity, improved solvent stability, increased tolerance to acidic pH, increased tolerance to proteolytic activity (i.e., reduced sensitivity to proteolysis), reduced aggregation, increased solubility, reduced immunogenicity, and altered temperature profile.

“Increased enzymatic activity” or “enhanced catalytic activity” refers to an improved property of the engineered TAL polypeptides, which can be represented by an increase in specific activity (e.g., product produced/time/weight protein) or an increase in percent conversion of the substrate to the product (e.g., percent conversion of starting amount of substrate to product in a specified time period using a specified amount of TAL) as compared to the reference TAL enzyme. Exemplary methods to determine enzyme activity are provided in the Examples. Any property relating to enzyme activity may be affected, including the classical enzyme properties of K_(m), V_(max) or k_(cat), changes of which can lead to increased enzymatic activity. Improvements in enzyme activity can be from about 1.1 fold the enzymatic activity of the corresponding wild-type enzyme, to as much as 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 50-fold, 75-fold, 100-fold, 150-fold, 200-fold or more enzymatic activity than the naturally occurring TAL or another engineered TAL from which the TAL polypeptides were derived.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have a k_(cat) of at least 0.1/sec, at least 0.2/sec, at least 0.3/sec, at least 0.5/sec, at least 1.0/sec and in some preferred embodiments greater than 1.0/sec. In some embodiments, the K_(m) is in the range of about 1 μm to about 5 mM; in the range of about 5 μm to about 2 mM; in the range of about 10 μm to about 2 mM; or in the range of about 10 μm to about 1 mM. In some specific embodiments, the engineered TAL enzyme exhibits improved enzymatic activity in the range of 1.5 to 10 fold, 1.5 to 25 fold, 1.5 to 50 fold, 1.5 to 100 fold or greater than that of a reference TAL enzyme (e.g., a wild-type TAL or any other reference TAL). TAL activity can be measured by any suitable method known in the art (e.g., standard assays, such as monitoring changes in spectrophotometric properties of reactants or products). In some embodiments, the amount of products produced can be measured by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation combined with UV absorbance or fluorescent detection directly or following o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) derivatization. In some embodiments, other methods are used, such as tracking the coumarate product (e.g., use UV absorbance to track its production at 290 nm or 310 nm). In some other embodiments, the production of ammonia is assayed using commercially available kits (e.g., the Megazyme rapid ammonia assay kit [Megazyme International, Wicklow, Ireland]). Comparisons of enzyme activities are made using a defined preparation of enzyme, a defined assay under a set condition, and one or more defined substrates, as further described in detail herein. Generally, when lysates are compared, the numbers of cells and the amount of protein assayed are determined as well as use of identical expression systems and identical host cells to minimize variations in amount of enzyme produced by the host cells and present in the lysates.

The terms “thermally stable” and “thermostable” refer to enzymes of the present invention that retain a specified amount of enzymatic activity, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure after exposure to identified temperatures over a given period of time under conditions prevailing during the use of the enzyme, for example, when exposed to altered temperatures. “Altered temperatures” include increased or decreased temperatures. In some embodiments, the enzymes retain at least about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 92%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% enzymatic activity after exposure to altered temperatures over a given time period, for example, at least about 60 minutes, about 120 minutes, about 180 minutes, about 240 minutes, about 300 minutes, etc.

The term “improved tolerance to acidic pH” means that a recombinant TAL according to the invention will have increased stability (higher retained activity at about pH 7.0 after exposure to acidic pH for a specified period of time (1 hour, up to 24 hours)) as compared to a reference TAL or another enzyme.

“Physiological pH” as used herein means the pH range generally found in a subject's (e.g., human) small intestine. There normally is a pH gradient from the pyloric sphincter to the large intestine from about 5.0 to 7.5.

The term “acidic pH” (e.g., used with reference to improved stability to acidic pH conditions or increased tolerance to acidic pH) means a pH range of about 1.5 to 6.8.

The terms “proteolytic activity” and “proteolysis” used interchangeably herein refer to the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids. The breakdown of proteins is generally the result of hydrolysis of the peptide bond by protease (proteinase) enzymes. Protease enzymes include but are not limited to pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, carboxypeptidase A and B, peptidases (e.g., amino peptidase, dipeptidase and enteropeptidase).

The phrases “reducing sensitivity to proteolysis” and “reducing proteolytic sensitivity” used interchangeably herein mean that an engineered TAL polypeptide according to the invention will have a higher enzyme activity compared to a reference TAL and/or another enzyme in a standard assay after treatment with one or more proteases. Exemplary assays are provided in the Examples.

“Aggregation” means clumping or precipitation of a TAL polypeptide. Aggregation can lead to inactivation, and/or increased immunogenicity of the enzyme. The term “reduced aggregation” means an engineered TAL polypeptide will be less prone to aggregation or to aggregate than a reference TAL and/or another enzyme. Methods for determining Aggregation can be determined by one of general skill in the art by using any number of assays including but not limited to fluorescent microscopy with appropriate dyes (e.g., thioflavin T or Nile Red), dynamic light scattering, flow cytometry with appropriate dyes (e.g. Bodipy), filtration and analysis by SDS-PAGE or Western blotting, fluorescent correlation spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. There are commercially available kits to assess aggregation (e.g., the PROTEOSTAT® Protein Aggregation Assay kit [Enzo]).

“Conversion” refers to the enzymatic conversion (or biotransformation) of a substrate(s) to the corresponding product(s). “Percent conversion” refers to the percent of the substrate that is converted to the product within a period of time under specified conditions. Thus, the “enzymatic activity” or “activity” of a TAL polypeptide can be expressed as “percent conversion” of the substrate to the product in a specific period of time.

“Hybridization stringency” relates to hybridization conditions, such as washing conditions, in the hybridization of nucleic acids. Generally, hybridization reactions are performed under conditions of lower stringency, followed by washes of varying but higher stringency. The term “moderately stringent hybridization” refers to conditions that permit target-DNA to bind a complementary nucleic acid that has about 60% identity, preferably about 75% identity, about 85% identity to the target DNA, with greater than about 90% identity to target-polynucleotide. Exemplary moderately stringent conditions are conditions equivalent to hybridization in 50% formamide, 5×Denhardt's solution, 5×SSPE, 0.2% SDS at 42° C., followed by washing in 0.2×SSPE, 0.2% SDS, at 42° C. “High stringency hybridization” refers generally to conditions that are about 10° C. or less from the thermal melting temperature T_(m) as determined under the solution condition for a defined polynucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, a high stringency condition refers to conditions that permit hybridization of only those nucleic acid sequences that form stable hybrids in 0.018M NaCl at 65° C. (i.e., if a hybrid is not stable in 0.018M NaCl at 65° C., it will not be stable under high stringency conditions, as contemplated herein). High stringency conditions can be provided, for example, by hybridization in conditions equivalent to 50% formamide, 5×Denhardt's solution, 5×SSPE, 0.2% SDS at 42° C., followed by washing in 0.1×SSPE, and 0.1% SDS at 65° C. Another high stringency condition is hybridizing in conditions equivalent to hybridizing in 5×SSC containing 0.1% (w:v) SDS at 65° C. and washing in 0.1×SSC containing 0.1% SDS at 65° C. Other high stringency hybridization conditions, as well as moderately stringent conditions, are described in the references cited above.

“Codon optimized” refers to changes in the codons of the polynucleotide encoding a protein to those preferentially used in a particular organism such that the encoded protein is more efficiently expressed in the organism of interest. Although the genetic code is degenerate in that most amino acids are represented by several codons, called “synonyms” or “synonymous” codons, it is well known that codon usage by particular organisms is nonrandom and biased towards particular codon triplets. This codon usage bias may be higher in reference to a given gene, genes of common function or ancestral origin, highly expressed proteins versus low copy number proteins, and the aggregate protein coding regions of an organism's genome. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides encoding the TAL enzymes may be codon optimized for optimal production from the host organism selected for expression.

“Control sequence” refers herein to include all components, which are necessary or advantageous for the expression of a polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of the present application. Each control sequence may be native or foreign to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Such control sequences include, but are not limited to, a leader, polyadenylation sequence, propeptide sequence, promoter sequence, signal peptide sequence, initiation sequence and transcription terminator. At a minimum, the control sequences include a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The control sequences may be provided with linkers for the purpose of introducing specific restriction sites facilitating ligation of the control sequences with the coding region of the nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide.

“Operably linked” is defined herein as a configuration in which a control sequence is appropriately placed (i.e., in a functional relationship) at a position relative to a polynucleotide of interest such that the control sequence directs or regulates the expression of the polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of interest.

“Promoter sequence” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that is recognized by a host cell for expression of a polynucleotide of interest, such as a coding sequence. The promoter sequence contains transcriptional control sequences, which mediate the expression of a polynucleotide of interest. The promoter may be any nucleic acid sequence which shows transcriptional activity in the host cell of choice including mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters, and may be obtained from genes encoding extracellular or intracellular polypeptides either homologous or heterologous to the host cell.

“Suitable reaction conditions” refers to those conditions in the enzymatic conversion reaction solution (e.g., ranges of enzyme loading, substrate loading, temperature, pH, buffers, co-solvents, etc.) under which a TAL polypeptide of the present application is capable of converting a substrate to the desired product compound, Exemplary “suitable reaction conditions” are provided in the present application and illustrated by the Examples. “Loading”, such as in “compound loading” or “enzyme loading” refers to the concentration or amount of a component in a reaction mixture at the start of the reaction. “Substrate” in the context of an enzymatic conversion reaction process refers to the compound or molecule acted on by the TAL polypeptide. “Product” in the context of an enzymatic conversion process refers to the compound or molecule resulting from the action of the TAL polypeptide on a substrate.

As used herein the term “culturing” refers to the growing of a population of microbial cells under any suitable conditions (e.g., using a liquid, gel or solid medium).

Recombinant polypeptides can be produced using any suitable methods known the art. Genes encoding the wild-type polypeptide of interest can be cloned in vectors, such as plasmids, and expressed in desired hosts, such as E. coli, etc. Variants of recombinant polypeptides can be generated by various methods known in the art. Indeed, there is a wide variety of different mutagenesis techniques well known to those skilled in the art. In addition, mutagenesis kits are also available from many commercial molecular biology suppliers. Methods are available to make specific substitutions at defined amino acids (site-directed), specific or random mutations in a localized region of the gene (regio-specific), or random mutagenesis over the entire gene (e.g., saturation mutagenesis). Numerous suitable methods are known to those in the art to generate enzyme variants, including but not limited to site-directed mutagenesis of single-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA using PCR, cassette mutagenesis, gene synthesis, error-prone PCR, shuffling, and chemical saturation mutagenesis, or any other suitable method known in the art. Non-limiting examples of methods used for DNA and protein engineering are provided in the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,679; 6,420,175; 6,376,246; 6,586,182; 7,747,391; 7,747,393; 7,783,428; and 8,383,346. After the variants are produced, they can be screened for any desired property (e.g., high or increased activity, or low or reduced activity, increased thermal activity, increased thermal stability, and/or acidic pH stability, etc.). In some embodiments, “recombinant TAL polypeptides” (also referred to herein as “engineered TAL polypeptides,” “variant TAL enzymes,” and “TAL variants”) find use.

As used herein, a “vector” is a DNA construct for introducing a DNA sequence into a cell. In some embodiments, the vector is an expression vector that is operably linked to a suitable control sequence capable of effecting the expression in a suitable host of the polypeptide encoded in the DNA sequence. In some embodiments, an “expression vector” has a promoter sequence operably linked to the DNA sequence (e.g., transgene) to drive expression in a host cell, and in some embodiments, also comprises a transcription terminator sequence.

As used herein, the term “expression” includes any step involved in the production of the polypeptide including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, and post-translational modification. In some embodiments, the term also encompasses secretion of the polypeptide from a cell.

As used herein, the term “produces” refers to the production of proteins and/or other compounds by cells. It is intended that the term encompass any step involved in the production of polypeptides including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, and post-translational modification. In some embodiments, the term also encompasses secretion of the polypeptide from a cell.

As used herein, an amino acid or nucleotide sequence (e.g., a promoter sequence, signal peptide, terminator sequence, etc.) is “heterologous” to another sequence with which it is operably linked if the two sequences are not associated in nature.

As used herein, the terms “host cell” and “host strain” refer to suitable hosts for expression vectors comprising DNA provided herein (e.g., the polynucleotides encoding the TAL variants). In some embodiments, the host cells are prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that have been transformed or transfected with vectors constructed using recombinant DNA techniques as known in the art.

The term “analogue” means a polypeptide having more than 70% sequence identity but less than 100% sequence identity (e.g., more than 75%, 78%, 80%, 83%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity) with a reference polypeptide. In some embodiments, analogues means polypeptides that contain one or more non-naturally occurring amino acid residues including, but not limited, to homoarginine, ornithine and norvaline, as well as naturally occurring amino acids. In some embodiments, analogues also include one or more D-amino acid residues and non-peptide linkages between two or more amino acid residues.

The term “therapeutic” refers to a compound administered to a subject who shows signs or symptoms of pathology having beneficial or desirable medical effects.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a composition suitable for pharmaceutical use in a mammalian subject (e.g., human) comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an engineered TAL polypeptide encompassed by the invention and an acceptable carrier.

The term “effective amount” means an amount sufficient to produce the desired result. One of general skill in the art may determine what the effective amount by using routine experimentation.

The terms “isolated” and “purified” are used to refer to a molecule (e.g., an isolated nucleic acid, polypeptide, etc.) or other component that is removed from at least one other component with which it is naturally associated. The term “purified” does not require absolute purity, rather it is intended as a relative definition.

The term “subject” encompasses mammals such as humans, non-human primates, livestock, companion animals, and laboratory animals (e.g., rodents and lagamorphs). It is intended that the term encompass females as well as males.

As used herein, the term “patient” means any subject that is being assessed for, treated for, or is experiencing disease.

The term “infant” refers to a child in the period of the first month after birth to approximately one (1) year of age. As used herein, the term “newborn” refers to child in the period from birth to the 28^(th) day of life. The term “premature infant” refers to an infant born after the twentieth completed week of gestation, yet before full term, generally weighing ˜500 to ˜2499 grams at birth. A “very low birth weight infant” is an infant weighing less than 1500 g at birth.

As used herein, the term “child” refers to a person who has not attained the legal age for consent to treatment or research procedures. In some embodiments, the term refers to a person between the time of birth and adolescence.

As used herein, the term “adult” refers to a person who has attained legal age for the relevant jurisdiction (e.g., 18 years of age in the United States). In some embodiments, the term refers to any fully grown, mature organism. In some embodiments, the term “young adult” refers to a person less than 18 years of age, but who has reached sexual maturity.

As used herein, “composition” and “formulation” encompass products comprising at least one engineered TAL of the present invention, intended for any suitable use (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, dietary/nutritional supplements, feed, etc.).

The terms “administration” and “administering” a composition mean providing a composition of the present invention to a subject (e.g., to a person suffering from the effects of tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria).

The term “carrier” when used in reference to a pharmaceutical composition means any of the standard pharmaceutical carrier, buffers, and excipients, such as stabilizers, preservatives, and adjuvants.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means a material that can be administered to a subject without causing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the components in which it is contained and that possesses the desired biological activity.

As used herein, the term “excipient” refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable additive, carrier, diluent, adjuvant, or other ingredient, other than the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API; e.g., the engineered TAL polypeptides of the present invention). Excipients are typically included for formulation and/or administration purposes.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” when used in reference to symptoms of disease/condition refers to the amount and/or concentration of a compound (e.g., engineered TAL polypeptides) that ameliorates, attenuates, or eliminates one or more symptom of a disease/condition or prevents or delays the onset of symptom(s).

The term “therapeutically effective amount” when used in reference to a disease/condition refers to the amount and/or concentration of a composition (e.g., engineered TAL polypeptides) that ameliorates, attenuates, or eliminates the disease/condition. In some embodiments, the term is use in reference to the amount of a composition that elicits the biological (e.g., medical) response by a tissue, system, or animal subject that is sought by the researcher, physician, veterinarian, or other clinician.

It is intended that the terms “treating,” “treat” and “treatment” encompass preventative (e.g., prophylactic), as well as palliative treatment.

Engineered TAL Polypeptides:

The parent enzyme used to generate the engineered TAL polypeptides is selected from enzymes obtained from Stanieria cyanosphera (SEQ ID NO: 2), Chroogloeocystis siderophila (SEQ ID NO: 4), Flavobacterium johnsoniae (SEQ ID NO: 6), and Rhodotorula glutinis (SEQ ID NO: 8). In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are derived by directed evolution from S. cyanosphera. Furthermore, when a particular TAL variant (engineered TAL polypeptide) is referred to by reference to modification of particular amino acids residues in the sequence of a wild-type TAL, wild-type PAL, wild-type HAL or another TAL, it is to be understood that variants of another TAL modified in the equivalent position(s) (as determined from the optional amino acid sequence alignment between the respective amino acid sequences) are encompassed herein. In some embodiments the engineered TAL polypeptide will comprise the conserved active site Ala164-Ser165-Gly166 and comprise at least 70% (at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments the engineered TAL polypeptides comprise not only TAL activity but also may be active on phenylalanine and/or histidine substrates. In some embodiments, TAL variants are developed that comprise at least one mutation in at least one key residue (See e.g., WO 2008/069958; US Appln. Ser. No. 2009/011140; and Watts et al. Chem. Biol., 13:1317-26 [2006]).

In some embodiments, engineered TAL polypeptides are produced by cultivating a microorganism comprising at least one polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one engineered TAL polypeptide under conditions which are conducive for producing the engineered TAL polypeptide(s). In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide is recovered from the resulting culture medium and/or cells.

The present invention provides exemplary engineered TAL polypeptides having TAL activity. The Examples provide Tables showing sequence structural information correlating specific amino acid sequence features with the functional activity of the engineered TAL polypeptides. This structure-function correlation information is provided in the form of specific amino acid residues differences relative to a reference engineered polypeptide, as indicated in the Examples. The Examples further provide experimentally determined activity data for the exemplary engineered TAL polypeptides.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least about 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits an improved property selected from i) enhanced catalytic activity, ii) reduced proteolytic sensitivity, iii) increased tolerance to acidic pH, iv) reduced aggregation or a combination of any of i), ii), iii) or iv), as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments the engineered TAL which exhibits an improved property has at least about 85%, at least about 88%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or at about 100% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156). In some embodiment the residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more positions will include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservative amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments the engineered TAL which exhibits an improved property has at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits an improved property selected from i) enhanced catalytic activity, ii) reduced proteolytic sensitivity, iii) increased tolerance to acidic pH, iv) reduced aggregation or a combination of any of i), ii), iii) or iv), as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide is a polypeptide listed in Table 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide comprises a functional fragment of an engineered TAL polypeptide encompassed by the invention. Functional fragments have at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the activity of the engineered TAL polypeptide from which is was derived (i.e., the parent engineered TAL). A functional fragment comprises at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% and even 99% of the parent sequence of the engineered TAL. In some embodiments the functional fragment is truncated by less than 5, less than 10, less than 15, less than 10, less than 25, less than 30, less than 35, less than 40, less than 45, and less than 50 amino acids.

Variants with Reduced Sensitivity to Proteolysis:

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits reduced sensitivity to proteolysis as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments the engineered TAL which exhibits reduced sensitivity to proteolysis has at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156).

In some embodiments, the proteolytic sensitivity of the engineered TAL polypeptide will be reduced by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% and at least 85% compared to the wild-type Stanieria cyanosphaera enzyme of SEQ ID NO:2, and/or at least one reference TAL polypeptide under essentially the same conditions. The proteolytic sensitivity can be measured using any suitable assay system, including, but not limited to the assays described in the Examples.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide having reduced sensitivity to proteolysis has reduced sensitivity to a composition comprising one or more proteases such as but not limited to pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase A and B, peptidases (e g, amino peptidase, dipeptidase and enteropeptidase) when both the reference TAL and the engineered TAL having the reduced sensitivity are compared and exposed to essentially the same amount and kind of protease under essentially the same conditions.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide having reduced sensitivity to proteolysis has enzyme activity that is about 1.0 fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 50-fold, 75-fold, 100-fold, 150-fold, 200-fold or more of the enzymatic activity of the reference TAL. In some embodiments, the engineered polypeptides will have more enzyme activity (as compared to a reference TAL) when activity is measured at a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5; when activity is measured at a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5; when activity is measured at a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5, when activity is measured at a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5; when activity is measured at a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and also when activity is measured at a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. In other embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides will have a K_(m) in the range of 1 μM to 5 mM.

Variants with Increased Tolerance to Acidic pH:

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a fragment thereof; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits increased tolerance to acidic pH as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL that exhibits increased tolerance to acidic pH has at least about 85%, at least about 88%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a fragment thereof; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits increased tolerance to acidic pH as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL that exhibits increased tolerance to acidic pH has at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, when all other assay conditions are essentially the same, the engineered TAL polypeptide has increased tolerance to acidic pH as compared to a reference TAL polypeptide. The engineered peptide has an increased tolerance at a pH range between 1.5 to 6.5, and between 1.5 and 5.0, and between 2.0 to 5.5, and between 3.0 and 6.8; between 3.0 and 5.5; between 4.0 and 6.5; between 4.0 and 4.5; between 4.5 and between 5.0; between 4.5 and 5.5, between 4.5 and 6.0; between 4.5 and 6.5; between 5.0 and 6.5; between 5.0 and 6.0; between 5.0 and 5.5; between 5.5 and 6.0; between 6.0 and 6.5 and between 6.5 and 7.0. In some embodiments the increased tolerance to acidic pH will be exhibited at a pH of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide having increased tolerance to acidic pH exhibits greater TAL activity as compared to a reference TAL when measured by any standard assay, including, but not limited to the assays described in the Examples.

Variants with Improved Activity:

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a fragment thereof; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits improved activity, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL that exhibits improved activity has at least about 85%, at least about 88%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a sequence having at least about 85%, at least about 88%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides of the invention having TAL activity comprise a) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a fragment thereof; b) an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions; and c) which exhibits improved activity, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or another reference sequence.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL that exhibits improved activity has at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, at one or more amino acid positions (e.g., at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, when all other assay conditions are essentially the same, the engineered TAL polypeptide has improved activity as compared to a reference TAL polypeptide. In some embodiments this activity can be measured under conditions that monitor enzymatic activity at saturating levels of tyrosine, thus assessing the maximum activity of the enzyme (k_(cat)). In other embodiments this activity can be measured under substrate concentrations resulting in one-half, one-fifth, one-tenth or less of maximal activity. Under either method of analysis, the engineered polypeptide has improved activity levels about 1.0 fold, 1.5-fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 25-fold, 50-fold, 75-fold, 100-fold, or more of the enzymatic activity of the reference TAL In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide having improved activity as compared to a reference TAL when measured by any standard assay, including, but not limited to the assays described in the Examples.

In light of the guidance provided herein, it is further contemplated that any of the exemplary engineered polypeptides (e.g., SEQ ID NOS: 10-2290; in particular SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156) can be used as the starting amino acid sequence for synthesizing other engineered TAL polypeptides, for example by subsequent rounds of evolution by adding new combinations of various amino acid differences from other polypeptides and other residue positions described herein. Further improvements may be generated by including amino acid differences at residue positions that had been maintained as unchanged throughout earlier rounds of evolution.

Polynucleotides Encoding Engineered Polypeptides, Expression Vectors and Host Cells:

The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding the engineered TAL polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are operatively linked to one or more heterologous regulatory sequences that control gene expression to create a recombinant polynucleotide capable of expressing the polypeptide. Expression constructs containing a heterologous polynucleotide encoding the engineered TAL polypeptides can be introduced into appropriate host cells to express the corresponding TAL polypeptide.

As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, availability of a protein sequence and the knowledge of the codons corresponding to the various amino acids provide a description of all the polynucleotides capable of encoding the subject polypeptides. The degeneracy of the genetic code, where the same amino acids are encoded by alternative or synonymous codons, allows an extremely large number of nucleic acids to be made, all of which encode the engineered TAL polypeptide. Thus, having knowledge of a particular amino acid sequence, those skilled in the art could make any number of different nucleic acids by simply modifying the sequence of one or more codons in a way which does not change the amino acid sequence of the protein. In this regard, the present invention specifically contemplates each and every possible variation of polynucleotides that could be made encoding the polypeptides described herein by selecting combinations based on the possible codon choices, and all such variations are to be considered specifically disclosed for any polypeptide described herein, including the variants provided in Table 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1, as well as SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In various embodiments, the codons are preferably selected to fit the host cell in which the protein is being produced. For example, preferred codons used in bacteria are used for expression in bacteria. Consequently, codon optimized polynucleotides encoding the engineered TAL polypeptides contain preferred codons at about 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or greater than 90% of codon positions of the full length coding region.

In some embodiments, as described above, the polynucleotide encodes an engineered polypeptide having TAL activity with the properties disclosed herein, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identity to a reference sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or the amino acid sequence of any variant as disclosed in Tables 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1, and one or more residue differences as compared to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, or the amino acid sequence of any variant as disclosed in Table 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more amino acid residue positions). In some embodiments, the reference sequence is selected from SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the engineered TAL polypeptides comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from a polynucleotide sequence encoding the SEQ ID NOS: 3, 13, 85, 333, 387, 603, 735, 789, 1453, 1577, 1659, 1843, 2029, 2113, and/or 2155. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding an engineered TAL polypeptide has at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 93%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% nucleotide residue identity to SEQ ID NOS: 3, 13, 85, 333, 387, 603, 735, 789, 1453, 1577, 1659, 1843, 2029, 2113, and/or 2155. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are capable of hybridizing under highly stringent conditions to a reference polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 3, 13, 85, 333, 387, 603, 735, 789, 1453, 1577, 1659, 1843, 2029, 2113, and/or 2155, or a complement thereof, or a polynucleotide sequence encoding any of the variant TAL polypeptides provided herein.

In some embodiments, an isolated polynucleotide encoding any of the engineered TAL polypeptides provided herein is manipulated in a variety of ways to provide for expression of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides are provided as expression vectors where one or more control sequences is present to regulate the expression of the polynucleotides and/or polypeptides. Manipulation of the isolated polynucleotide prior to its insertion into a vector may be desirable or necessary depending on the expression vector. The techniques for modifying polynucleotides and nucleic acid sequences utilizing recombinant DNA methods are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the control sequences include among other sequences, promoters, leader sequences, polyadenylation sequences, propeptide sequences, signal peptide sequences, and transcription terminators. As known in the art, suitable promoters can be selected based on the host cells used. For bacterial host cells, suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present application, include, but are not limited to the promoters obtained from the E. coli lac operon, Streptomyces coelicolor agarase gene (dagA), Bacillus subtilis levansucrase gene (sacB), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyL), Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase gene (amyM), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene (amyQ), Bacillus licheniformis penicillinase gene (penP), Bacillus subtilis xylA and xylB genes, and prokaryotic beta-lactamase gene (See e.g., Villa-Kamaroff et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 75: 3727-3731 [1978]), as well as the tac promoter (See e.g., DeBoer et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 80: 21-25 [1983]). Exemplary promoters for filamentous fungal host cells, include promoters obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger acid stable alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase (glaA), Rhizomucor miehei lipase, Aspergillus oryzae alkaline protease, Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase, Aspergillus nidulans acetamidase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease (See e.g., WO 96/00787), as well as the NA2-tpi promoter (a hybrid of the promoters from the genes for Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase and Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase), and mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters thereof. Exemplary yeast cell promoters can be from the genes can be from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae galactokinase (GAL1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Other useful promoters for yeast host cells are known in the art (See e.g., Romanos et al., Yeast 8:423-488 [1992]).

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a suitable transcription terminator sequence, a sequence recognized by a host cell to terminate transcription. The terminator sequence is operably linked to the 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Any terminator which is functional in the host cell of choice finds use in the present invention. For example, exemplary transcription terminators for filamentous fungal host cells can be obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease. Exemplary terminators for yeast host cells can be obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome C (CYC1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Other useful terminators for yeast host cells are known in the art (See e.g., Romanos et al., supra).

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a suitable leader sequence, a non-translated region of an mRNA that is important for translation by the host cell. The leader sequence is operably linked to the 5′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Any leader sequence that is functional in the host cell of choice may be used. Exemplary leaders for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase and Aspergillus nidulans triose phosphate isomerase. Suitable leaders for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to those obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP).

The control sequence may also be a polyadenylation sequence, a sequence operably linked to the 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence and which, when transcribed, is recognized by the host cell as a signal to add polyadenosine residues to transcribed mRNA. Any polyadenylation sequence which is functional in the host cell of choice may be used in the present invention. Exemplary polyadenylation sequences for filamentous fungal host cells include, but are not limited to those from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease, and Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase. Useful polyadenylation sequences for yeast host cells are also known in the art (See e.g., Guo and Sherman, Mol. Cell. Biol., 15:5983-5990 [1995]).

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a signal peptide coding region that codes for an amino acid sequence linked to the amino terminus of a polypeptide and directs the encoded polypeptide into the cell's secretory pathway. The 5′ end of the coding sequence of the nucleic acid sequence may inherently contain a signal peptide coding region naturally linked in translation reading frame with the segment of the coding region that encodes the secreted polypeptide. Alternatively, the 5′ end of the coding sequence may contain a signal peptide coding region that is foreign to the coding sequence. Any signal peptide coding region that directs the expressed polypeptide into the secretory pathway of a host cell of choice finds use for expression of the engineered TAL polypeptides provided herein. Effective signal peptide coding regions for bacterial host cells include, but are not limited to the signal peptide coding regions obtained from the genes for Bacillus NC1B 11837 maltogenic amylase, Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, Bacillus licheniformis subtilisin, Bacillus licheniformis beta-lactamase, Bacillus stearothermophilus neutral proteases (nprT, nprS, nprM), and Bacillus subtilis prsA. Further signal peptides are known in the art (See e.g., Simonen and Palva, Microbiol. Rev., 57:109-137 [1993]). Effective signal peptide coding regions for filamentous fungal host cells include, but are not limited to the signal peptide coding regions obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger neutral amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Humicola insolens cellulase, and Humicola lanuginosa lipase. Useful signal peptides for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to those from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor and Saccharomyces cerevisiae invertase.

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a propeptide coding region that codes for an amino acid sequence positioned at the amino terminus of a polypeptide. The resultant polypeptide is referred to as a “proenzyme,” “propolypeptide,” or “zymogen,” in some cases). A propolypeptide can be converted to a mature active polypeptide by catalytic or autocatalytic cleavage of the propeptide from the propolypeptide. The propeptide coding region includes, but is not limited to the genes for Bacillus subtilis alkaline protease (aprE), Bacillus subtilis neutral protease (nprT), Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, and Myceliophthora thermophila lactase (See e.g., WO 95/33836). Where both signal peptide and propeptide regions are present at the amino terminus of a polypeptide, the propeptide region is positioned next to the amino terminus of a polypeptide and the signal peptide region is positioned next to the amino terminus of the propeptide region.

In some embodiments, regulatory sequences are also utilized. These sequences facilitate the regulation of the expression of the polypeptide relative to the growth of the host cell. Examples of regulatory systems are those which cause the expression of the gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus, including the presence of a regulatory compound. In prokaryotic host cells, suitable regulatory sequences include, but are not limited to the lac, tac, and trp operator systems. In yeast host cells, suitable regulatory systems include, but are not limited to the ADH2 system or GAL1 system. In filamentous fungi, suitable regulatory sequences include, but are not limited to the TAKA alpha-amylase promoter, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase promoter, and Aspergillus oryzae glucoamylase promoter.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a recombinant expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding an engineered TAL polypeptide, and one or more expression regulating regions such as a promoter and a terminator, a replication origin, etc., depending on the type of hosts into which they are to be introduced. in some embodiments, the various nucleic acid and control sequences described above are joined together to produce a recombinant expression vector which includes one or more convenient restriction sites to allow for insertion or substitution of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the variant TAL polypeptide at such sites. Alternatively, the polynucleotide sequence(s) of the present invention are expressed by inserting the polynucleotide sequence or a nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide sequence into an appropriate vector for expression. In creating the expression vector, the coding sequence is located in the vector so that the coding sequence is operably linked with the appropriate control sequences for expression.

The recombinant expression vector may be any vector (e.g., a plasmid or virus), that can be conveniently subjected to recombinant DNA procedures and can result in the expression of the variant TAL polynucleotide sequence. The choice of the vector will typically depend on the compatibility of the vector with the host cell into which the vector is to be introduced. The vectors may be linear or closed circular plasmids.

In some embodiments, the expression vector is an autonomously replicating vector (i.e., a vector that exists as an extra-chromosomal entity, the replication of which is independent of chromosomal replication, such as a plasmid, an extra-chromosomal element, a minichromosome, or an artificial chromosome). The vector may contain any means for assuring self-replication. In some alternative embodiments, the vector may be one which, when introduced into the host cell, is integrated into the genome and replicated together with the chromosome(s) into which it has been integrated. Furthermore, a single vector or plasmid or two or more vectors or plasmids which together contain the total DNA to be introduced into the genome of the host cell, or a transposon may be used.

In some embodiments, the expression vector preferably contains one or more selectable markers, which permit easy selection of transformed cells. A “selectable marker” is a gene the product of which provides for biocide or viral resistance, resistance to heavy metals, prototrophy to auxotrophs, and the like. Examples of bacterial selectable markers include, but are not limited to the dal genes from Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis, or markers, which confer antibiotic resistance such as ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol or tetracycline resistance. Suitable markers for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to ADE2, HIS3, LEU2, LYS2, MET3, TRP1, and URA3. Selectable markers for use in a filamentous fungal host cell include, but are not limited to, amdS (acetamidase), argB (ornithine carbamoyltransferases), bar (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), hph (hygromycin phosphotransferase), niaD (nitrate reductase), pyrG (orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase), sC (sulfate adenyltransferase), and trpC (anthranilate synthase), as well as equivalents thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding at least one engineered TAL polypeptide of the present application, the polynucleotide being operatively linked to one or more control sequences for expression of the engineered TAL enzyme(s) in the host cell. Host cells for use in expressing the polypeptides encoded by the expression vectors of the present invention are well known in the art and include but are not limited to, bacterial cells, such as E. coli, Vibrio fluvialis, Streptomyces and Salmonella typhimurium cells; fungal cells, such as yeast cells (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris (ATCC Accession No. 201178)); insect cells such as Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera Sf9 cells; animal cells such as CHO, COS, BHK, 293, and Bowes melanoma cells; and plant cells. Exemplary host cells are Escherichia coli strains (such as W3110 (ΔfhuA) and BL21).

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides methods for producing the engineered TAL polypeptides, where the methods comprise culturing a host cell capable of expressing a polynucleotide encoding the engineered TAL polypeptide under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise the steps of isolating and/or purifying the TAL polypeptides, as described herein.

Appropriate culture media and growth conditions for the above-described host cells are well known in the art. Polynucleotides for expression of the TAL polypeptides may be introduced into cells by various methods known in the art. Techniques include, among others, electroporation, biolistic particle bombardment, liposome mediated transfection, calcium chloride transfection, and protoplast fusion.

The engineered TAL with the properties disclosed herein can be obtained by subjecting the polynucleotide encoding the naturally occurring or engineered TAL polypeptide to mutagenesis and/or directed evolution methods known in the art, and as described herein. An exemplary directed evolution technique is mutagenesis and/or DNA shuffling (See e.g., Stemmer, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:10747-10751 [1994]; WO 95/22625; WO 97/0078; WO 97/35966; WO 98/27230; WO 00/42651; WO 01/75767 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,746). Other directed evolution procedures that can be used include, among others, staggered extension process (StEP), in vitro recombination (See e.g., Zhao et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 16:258-261 [1998]), mutagenic PCR (See e.g., Caldwell et al., PCR Methods Appl., 3:S136-S140 [1994]), and cassette mutagenesis (See e.g., Black et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:3525-3529 [1996]).

For example, mutagenesis and directed evolution methods can be readily applied to polynucleotides to generate variant libraries that can be expressed, screened, and assayed. Mutagenesis and directed evolution methods are well known in the art (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,605,793, 5,811,238, 5,830,721, 5,834,252, 5,837,458, 5,928,905, 6,096,548, 6,117,679, 6,132,970, 6,165,793, 6,180,406, 6,251,674, 6,265,201, 6,277,638, 6,287,861, 6,287,862, 6,291,242, 6,297,053, 6,303,344, 6,309,883, 6,319,713, 6,319,714, 6,323,030, 6,326,204, 6,335,160, 6,335,198, 6,344,356, 6,352,859, 6,355,484, 6,358,740, 6,358,742, 6,365,377, 6,365,408, 6,368,861, 6,372,497, 6,337,186, 6,376,246, 6,379,964, 6,387,702, 6,391,552, 6,391,640, 6,395,547, 6,406,855, 6,406,910, 6,413,745, 6,413,774, 6,420,175, 6,423,542, 6,426,224, 6,436,675, 6,444,468, 6,455,253, 6,479,652, 6,482,647, 6,483,011, 6,484,105, 6,489,146, 6,500,617, 6,500,639, 6,506,602, 6,506,603, 6,518,065, 6,519,065, 6,521,453, 6,528,311, 6,537,746, 6,573,098, 6,576,467, 6,579,678, 6,586,182, 6,602,986, 6,605,430, 6,613,514, 6,653,072, 6,686,515, 6,703,240, 6,716,631, 6,825,001, 6,902,922, 6,917,882, 6,946,296, 6,961,664, 6,995,017, 7,024,312, 7,058,515, 7,105,297, 7,148,054, 7,220,566, 7,288,375, 7,384,387, 7,421,347, 7,430,477, 7,462,469, 7,534,564, 7,620,500, 7,620,502, 7,629,170, 7,702,464, 7,747,391, 7,747,393, 7,751,986, 7,776,598, 7,783,428, 7,795,030, 7,853,410, 7,868,138, 7,783,428, 7,873,477, 7,873,499, 7,904,249, 7,957,912, 7,981,614, 8,014,961, 8,029,988, 8,048,674, 8,058,001, 8,076,138, 8,108,150, 8,170,806, 8,224,580, 8,377,681, 8,383,346, 8,457,903, 8,504,498, 8,589,085, 8,762,066, 8,768,871, 9,593,326, 9,684,771, 9,665,694; and WO 95/22625; WO 97/0078; WO 97/35966; WO 98/27230; WO 00/42651; WO 01/75767; WO 2009/152336, WO 2013/138339, WO 2015/048572, and WO 2015/048573; and all related US and non-US counterparts of these listed patents and applications; Ling et al., Anal. Biochem., 254:157-78 [1997]; Dale et al., Meth. Mol. Biol., 57:369-74 [1996]; Smith, Ann. Rev. Genet., 19:423-462 [1985]; Botstein et al., Science, 229:1193-1201 [1985]; Carter, Biochem. J., 237:1-7 [1986]; Kramer et al., Cell, 38:879-887 [1984]; Wells et al., Gene, 34:315-323 [1985]; Minshull et al., Curr. Op. Chem. Biol., 3:284-290 [1999]; Christians et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 17:259-264 [1999]; Crameri et al., Nature, 391:288-291 [1998]; Crameri, et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 15:436-438 [1997]; Zhang et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 94:4504-4509 [1997]; Crameri et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 14:315-319 [1996]; Stemmer, Nature, 370:389-391 [1994]; and Stemmer, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 91:10747-10751 [1994]; all of which are incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the enzyme clones obtained following mutagenesis treatment are screened by subjecting the enzymes to a defined temperature (or other assay conditions) and measuring the amount of enzyme activity remaining after heat treatments or other assay conditions. Clones containing a polynucleotide encoding a TAL polypeptide are then isolated from the gene, sequenced to identify the nucleotide sequence changes (if any), and used to express the enzyme in a host cell. Measuring enzyme activity from the expression libraries can be performed using any suitable method known in the art (e.g., standard biochemistry techniques, such as HPLC analysis).

For engineered polypeptides of known sequence, the polynucleotides encoding the enzyme can be prepared by standard solid-phase methods, according to known synthetic methods. In some embodiments, fragments of up to about 100 bases can be individually synthesized, then joined (e.g., by enzymatic or chemical litigation methods, or polymerase mediated methods) to form any desired continuous sequence. For example, polynucleotides and oligonucleotides disclosed herein can be prepared by chemical synthesis using the classical phosphoramidite method (See e.g., Beaucage et al., Tetra. Lett., 22:1859-69 [1981]; and Matthes et al., EMBO J., 3:801-05 [1984]), as it is typically practiced in automated synthetic methods. According to the phosphoramidite method, oligonucleotides are synthesized (e.g., in an automatic DNA synthesizer), purified, annealed, ligated and cloned in appropriate vectors.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a method for preparing the engineered TAL polypeptide can comprise: (a) synthesizing a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the amino acid sequence of any variant provided in Table 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 9-2, 10-1, 10-2, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1, 14-1, 15-1, 16-1, and/or 17-1, as well as SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and (b) expressing the TAL polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. In some embodiments of the method, the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide can optionally have one or several (e.g., up to 3, 4, 5, or up to 10) amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-23, 1-24, 1-25, 1-30, 1-35, 1-40, 1-45, or 1-50 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the substitutions can be conservative or non-conservative substitutions.

The expressed engineered TAL polypeptide can be measured for any desired improved property (e.g., activity, selectivity, stability, acid tolerance, protease sensitivity, etc.), using any suitable assay known in the art, including but not limited to the assays and conditions described herein.

In some embodiments, any of the engineered TAL polypeptides expressed in a host cell are recovered from the cells and/or the culture medium using any one or more of the well-known techniques for protein purification, including, among others, lysozyme treatment, sonication, filtration, salting-out, ultra-centrifugation, and chromatography.

Chromatographic techniques for isolation of the TAL polypeptides include, among others, reverse phase chromatography high performance liquid chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography. Conditions for purifying a particular enzyme depends, in part, on factors such as net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, molecular weight, molecular shape, etc., and will be apparent to those having skill in the art. In some embodiments, affinity techniques may be used to isolate the improved variant TAL enzymes. In some embodiments utilizing affinity chromatography purification, any antibody which specifically binds the variant TAL polypeptide finds use. For the production of antibodies, various host animals, including but not limited to rabbits, mice, rats, etc., are immunized by injection with a TAL polypeptide (e.g., a TAL variant), or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the TAL polypeptide or fragment is attached to a suitable carrier, such as BSA, by means of a side chain functional group or linkers attached to a side chain functional group.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide is produced in a host cell by a method comprising culturing a host cell (e.g., an E. coli strain) comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding an engineered TAL polypeptide as described herein under conditions conducive to the production of the engineered TAL polypeptide and recovering the engineered TAL polypeptide from the cells and/or culture medium.

In some preferred embodiments, the invention encompasses a method of producing an engineered TAL polypeptide comprising culturing a recombinant bacterial cell comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding an engineered TAL polypeptide having at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to reference sequences SEQ ID NOS: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and one or more amino acid residue differences as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2, 14, 86, 334, 388, 604, 736, 790, 1454, 1578, 1660, 1844, 2030, 2114, and/or 2156, and/or combinations thereof when aligned, under suitable culture conditions to allow the production of the engineered TAL polypeptide and optionally recovering the engineered TAL polypeptide from the culture and/or cultured bacterial cells.

In some embodiments, once the engineered TAL polypeptides are recovered from the recombinant host cells or cell culture and they are further purified by any suitable method(s) known in the art. In some additional embodiments, the purified TAL polypeptides are combined with other ingredients and compounds to provide compositions and formulations comprising the engineered TAL polypeptide as appropriate for different applications and uses (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions).

Compositions:

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The present invention provides engineered TAL polypeptides suitable for use in pharmaceutical and other compositions, such as dietary/nutritional supplements.

Depending on the mode of administration, the compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an engineered TAL according to the present invention are in the form of a solid, semi-solid, gel, or liquid. In some embodiments, the compositions include other pharmaceutically acceptable components such as diluents, buffers, excipients, salts, emulsifiers, preservatives, stabilizers, fillers, and other ingredients. Details on techniques for formulation and administration are well known in the art and described in the literature.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are formulated for use in oral pharmaceutical compositions. Any suitable format for use in delivering the engineered TAL polypeptides find use in the present invention, including but not limited to pills, tablets, gel tabs, capsules, lozenges, dragees, powders, soft gels, sol-gels, gels, emulsions, implants, patches, sprays, ointments, liniments, creams, pastes, jellies, paints, aerosols, chewing gums, demulcents, sticks, suspensions (including but not limited to oil-based suspensions, oil-in water emulsions, etc.), slurries, syrups, controlled release formulations, suppositories, etc. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are provided in a format suitable for injection (i.e., in an injectable formulation). In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are provided in biocompatible matrices such as sol-gels, including silica-based (e.g., oxysilane) sol-gels. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are encapsulated. In some alternative embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are encapsulated in nanostructures (e.g., nanotubes, nanotubules, nanocapsules, or microcapsules, microspheres, liposomes, etc.). Indeed, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to any particular delivery formulation and/or means of delivery. It is intended that the engineered TAL polypeptides be administered by any suitable means known in the art, including but not limited to parenteral, oral, topical, transdermal, intranasal, intraocular, intrathecal, via implants, etc.

In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are chemically modified by glycosylation, pegylation (i.e., modified with polyethylene glycol [PEG] or activated PEG, etc.) or other compounds (See e.g., Ikeda, Amino Acids 29:283-287 [2005]; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,531,341, 7,534,595, 7,560,263, and 7,53,653; US Pat. Appln. Publ. Nos. 2013/0039898, 2012/0177722, etc.). Indeed, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to any particular delivery method and/or mechanism.

In some additional embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are provided in formulations comprising matrix-stabilized enzyme crystals. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises a cross-linked crystalline engineered TAL enzyme and a polymer with a reactive moiety that adheres to the enzyme crystals. The present invention also provides engineered TAL polypeptides in polymers.

In some embodiments, compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides of the present invention include one or more commonly used carrier compounds, including but not limited to sugars (e.g., lactose, sucrose, mannitol, and/or sorbitol), starches (e.g., corn, wheat, rice, potato, or other plant starch), cellulose (e.g., methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodium carboxy-methylcellulose), gums (e.g., arabic, tragacanth, guar, etc.), and/or proteins (e.g., gelatin, collagen, etc.). Additional components in oral formulations may include coloring and or sweetening agents (e.g., glucose, sucrose, and mannitol) and lubricating agents (e.g., magnesium stearate), as well as enteric coatings (e.g., methacrylate polymers, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose phthalate, and/or any other suitable enteric coating known in the art). In some embodiments, disintegrating or solubilizing agents are included (e.g., cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, alginic acid or salts thereof, such as sodium alginate). In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptide are be combined with various additional components, including but not limited to preservatives, suspending agents, thickening agents, wetting agents, alcohols, fatty acids, and/or emulsifiers, particularly in liquid formulations. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are administered to subjects in combination with other compounds used in the treatment of tyrosinemia and/or alkaptonuria, including but not limited to NTBC, nitisinone, antacids (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole and other pyrazoles), as well as any other suitable compounds. In some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is suitable for parenteral injection into a human. In yet some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is coadministered with a phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pill, tablet, capsule, or gelcap that further comprises an enteric coating. In yet some additional embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is coadministered with both nitisinone and a phenylalanine ammonia lyase. In some further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises both nitisinone and phenylalanine ammonia lyase.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides engineered TAL polypeptides suitable for use in decreasing the concentration of tyrosine in fluids such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. The dosages of engineered TAL polypeptide(s) administered to an animal depend upon the condition or disease, the general condition of the animal, and other factors known to those in the art. In some embodiments, the compositions are intended for single or multiple administrations to an animal. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the concentration of engineered TAL polypeptide(s) in the composition(s) administered to an animal (e.g., a human with tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria) is sufficient to effectively treat, ameliorate and/or prevent the symptoms of disease (e.g., tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria and/or tyrosinemia or alkaptonuria-related conditions, diseases and/or symptoms), In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are administered in combination with other pharmaceutical and/or dietary compositions.

Industrial Compositions

It is contemplated that the engineered TAL polypeptides of the present invention will find use in industrial compositions. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides find use in the production of chemicals (e.g., coumaric acid). In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are formulated for use in the food and/or feed industries. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are formulated in granulated or pelleted products which are mixed with animal feed components such as additional enzymes (for example, cellulases, laccases, and amylases).

In some alternative embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides are used in liquid animal feed compositions (e.g., aqueous or oil based slurries). Thus, in some embodiments, the engineered TAL variants of the present invention are sufficiently thermotolerant and thermostable to withstand the treatment used to produce pellets and other processed feed/foods. In some further embodiments, the engineered TAL variants are used to produce tyrosine and/or tyrosine derivatives.

The engineered TAL polypeptides provided herein also find use in agricultural applications. Indeed, it is contemplated that modulation of TAL activity by using recombinant polypeptides having TAL activity will lead to effective herbicides.

The foregoing and other aspects of the invention may be better understood in connection with the following non-limiting examples. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following Examples, including experiments and results achieved, are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the experimental disclosure below, the following abbreviations apply: ppm (parts per million); M (molar); mM (millimolar), uM and μM (micromolar); nM (nanomolar); mol (moles); gm and g (gram); mg (milligrams); ug and μg (micrograms); L and l (liter); ml and mL (milliliter); cm (centimeters); mm (millimeters); um and μm (micrometers); sec. (seconds); min(s) (minute(s)); h(s) and hr(s) (hour(s)); U (units); MW (molecular weight); rpm (rotations per minute); ° C. (degrees Centigrade); CDS (coding sequence); DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid); RNA (ribonucleic acid); E. coli W3110 (commonly used laboratory E. coli strain, available from the Coli Genetic Stock Center [CGSC], New Haven, Conn.); LB (Luria-Burtani); TB (terrific broth); HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography); SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis); PES (polyethersulfone); CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester); IPTG (isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside); PMBS (polymyxin B sulfate); NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate); FIOPC (fold improvements over positive control); PHE and Phe (phenylalanine); TYR and Tyr (tyrosine); PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells); LB (Luria broth); MeOH (methanol); Athens Research (Athens Research Technology, Athens, Ga.); ProSpec (ProSpec Tany Technogene, East Brunswick, N.J.); Sigma-Aldrich (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.); Ram Scientific (Ram Scientific, Inc., Yonkers, N.Y.); Pall Corp. (Pall, Corp., Pt. Washington, N.Y.); Millipore (Millipore, Corp., Billerica Mass.); Difco (Difco Laboratories, BD Diagnostic Systems, Detroit, Mich.); Molecular Devices (Molecular Devices, LLC, Sunnyvale, Calif.); Kuhner (Adolf Kuhner, AG, Basel, Switzerland); Microfluidics (Microfluidics Corp., Westwood, Mass.); Thermotron (Thermotron, Inc., Holland, Mich.); Cambridge isotope Laboratories, (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc., Tewksbury, Mass.); Applied Biosystems (Applied Biosystems, part of Life Technologies, Corp., Grand Island, N.Y.); Greiner Bio-One (Greiner Bio-One North America, Monroe, N.C.); Agilent (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.); Thermo Scientific (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass.); Corning (Corning, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.); Megazyme (Megazyme International, Wicklow, Ireland); Enzo (Enzo Life Sciences, Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y.); GE Healthcare (GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences, Piscataway, N.J.); Pierce (Pierce Biotechnology (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), Rockford, Ill.); Phenomenex (Phenomenex, Inc., Torrance, Calif.); Optimal (Optimal Biotech Group, Belmont, Calif.); and Bio-Rad (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.).

Example 1 Synthesis and Assaying of TAL Enzymes with Tyrosine Ammonia Lyase (TAL) Activity

In this Example, methods used in the synthesis and assaying of TAL enzymes for tyrosine ammonia lyase activity are described.

TAL Gene Acquisition and Construction of Expression Vectors

Polynucleotide sequences encoding phenylalanine and tyrosine ammonia lyases from Stanieria cyanosphaera (SEQ ID NO: 2), Chroogloeocystis siderophila (SEQ ID NO: 4), Flavobacterium johnsoniae (SEQ ID NO: 6), and Rhodotorula glutinis (SEQ ID NO: 8) were synthesized as the genes of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively. These synthetic genes were cloned into a pCK110900 vector system (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,157 and US Pat. Appln. Publn. Nos. 2016/0244787, and 2006/0195947, all of which are incorporated by reference), and subsequently expressed in an E. coli strain derived from W3110. In some embodiments, expression vectors lacking antimicrobial resistance markers find use.

High-Throughput (HTP) Growth of Cultures Expressing TAL Enzymes

Transformed E. coli cells were selected by plating onto LB agar plates containing 1% glucose and 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol. After overnight incubation at 37° C., colonies were picked onto NUNC™ (Thermo-Scientific) 96-well shallow flat bottom plates filled with 180 μL/well LB-medium supplemented with 1% glucose and 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol. Cultures were allowed to grow overnight for 18-20 hours in a shaker (200 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). Overnight growth samples (20 μL) were transferred into Costar 96-well deep plates filled with 380 μL of TB) supplemented with 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol. Cultures were incubated for 2-3 hours in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner) and then induced with 40 μL of 10 mM IPTG in sterile water and incubated overnight for 20-24 hours in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). Cells were pelleted (4000 rpm×10 min), supernatants were discarded, and the cells were frozen at −80° C. prior to analysis.

Lysis of HTP Cell Pellets

E. coli cell pellets were lysed with 250 μL of lysis buffer (1 mg/ml lysozyme+0.5 g/L PMBS in 20 mM sodium phosphate pH 8, with 150 mM NaCl). The mixture was agitated for 2 hours at room temperature, and pelleted (4000 rpm×10 min), after which the clarified lysates were used in HTP assays described herein.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

TAL variant activity on tyrosine or phenylalanine was assayed by measuring the formation of coumaric or cinnamic acid, respectively, as determined by the change in absorbance at 290 nm over time. Reactions were prepared by the addition of 160 μL of 2.5 mM tyrosine or phenylalanine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate and 40 μL of clarified lysate to a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and the activity was determined by tracking the absorbance at 290 nm over time (every 14-37s over 10 min) using a SPECTRAMAX® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. Activity on tyrosine was detected for SEQ ID NOS: 4, 2, 6, and 8 as shown in Table 1-1. Some enzymes also had detectable activity on phenylalanine.

TABLE 1-1 Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions¹ SEQ ID NO: (nt/aa) 2 mM Tyr Activity 2 mM Phe Activity 1/2 ++++ 3/4 ++ 5/6 +++ 7/8 + + ¹Levels of initial activity (milli-Absorbance Units/min) are defined as follows: ““+”” > 10; “++” > 20; “+++” > 50; and “++++” > 100.

Example 2 Shake Flask Powder (SFP) Production and Characterization Assays for TAL and TAL Variants

In this Example, methods used for the preparation and characterization of shake flask powders of TAL enzymes with tyrosine ammonia lyase activity are described.

Production of Shake Flask Powders (SFP)

E. coli cultures transformed with plasmids containing TAL variants were plated onto LBagar plates with 1% glucose and in some instances, 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol, and grown overnight at 37° C. A single colony from each culture was transferred to 5 mL of Luria Broth (LB) with 1% glucose and 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol, where appropriate. The cultures were grown for 18 h at 30° C., 250 rpm, and subcultured approximately 1:50 into 250 ml of TB with 30 μg/mL of chloramphenicol. The cultures were grown for approximately 3-4 h at 30° C., 250 rpm, to an OD₆₀₀ of 0.6-0.8, and induced with 1 mM of IPTG. The cultures were grown for 20 h at 30° C., 250 rpm. Cells were harvested by centrifugation (7000 rpm×10 min, 4° C.), and the supernatants were discarded. The pellets were resuspended in 30 mL of 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 8.0, with 150 mM NaCl in some instances, and lysed using a single pass through a microfluidizer (Microfluidics), at 110 psi. The lysates were pelleted (10,000×rpm, 30 min, 4° C.), and the supernatants were heated for 1-2 hours at 60-65° C. in a water bath before being pelleted again (10,000×rpm, 1 h, 4° C.). The resulting supernatants were then frozen and lyophilized to generate powders containing the expressed enzymes.

SFP Characterization Assay for Activity on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine

Shake flask powders were reconstituted to provide 10-20 g/L powder and were serially diluted to 0.08-10 g/L. Then, 20 μL of these stocks were added to 180 μL of 2.5 mM tyrosine or phenylalanine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and the activity was determined by tracking the absorbance at 290 nm over time (every 14-37s over 5 min) using a SPECTRAMAX® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. Results for SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 6 are shown in Table 2-1.

In some cases, TAL enzyme activity on phenylalanine was measured over longer periods of time. Reactions were prepared by adding 20 μL of diluted shake flask powder solution to 180 μL of 2.5 or 12.5 mM phenylalanine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. The reactions were mixed briefly, and an initial absorbance was determined by diluting the assay 10-fold in water and measuring the absorbance at 290 nm using a SPECTRAMAX® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. After incubation at 37° C. for 1-4 h in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm), the final absorbance was measured in a similar manner Activity was determined by subtracting the initial from the final absorbance.

SFP Characterization Assay for Resistance to Proteases

To evaluate the relative stability of evolved enzymes to representative proteases, a mix of porcine trypsin (Sigma Aldrich) and bovine chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich) were dissolved in 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, to a concentration of 8 g/L each and serially diluted 2-fold. Then, 0.5-1 g/L TAL SFP were incubated with 0-4 g/L at 37° C. for 1-2 h at 400 rpm in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker. After incubation, 20-40 μL of the protease-treated SFP was added to 160-180 μL of 2.5 mM tyrosine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, and enzyme initial activity was measured as described above. Protease resistance was calculated as a percentage of residual activity against the control (i.e., no protease treatment) sample. Results for SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 6 are shown in Table 2-1.

SFP Characterization Assay for pH Tolerance

To evaluate the relative tolerance of evolved enzymes to acidic pH, SFPs were reconstituted to provide 10 g/L powder and were diluted 10-fold into McIlvaine buffer, pH 4.0-7.0. The mixture was incubated for 1 h at 37° C. for 1-1.5 h at 400 rpm in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker. After incubation, the enzyme solutions were briefly centrifuged, and 20 μL of the solutions were added to 180 μL of 2.5 mM tyrosine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. Enzymatic activity was determined as described above, and pH tolerance was calculated as a percentage of residual activity against the control (i.e., pH 7.0) sample.

SFP Characterization Assay for Determination of Kinetic Parameters

To evaluate if the mutations in the TAL variants had altered kinetics, the Michaelis constant (K_(m)) and maximum velocity (V_(max)) were determined for each variant. To assay, 20 μl of diluted TAL variants at 1 g/L and 180 μL of 2-fold serially diluted tyrosine (0-2.48 mM tyrosine in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0), were added to the wells of a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and the activity was determined by tracking the absorbance at 290 nm over time (every 14-37s over 5 min) using a SPECTRAMAX® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. The V_(max) and K_(m) for each tested TAL variant was determined by fitting the data to a Michaelis-Menten equation using non-linear regression. Results for SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 6 are shown in Table 2-1.

SFP Characterization Assay for Thermostability

Improved thermostability is a valuable trait useful in manufacture and storage of enzyme therapeutics and often occurs as a byproduct of other stabilization efforts. To assess the relative stability of the variants produced during the development of the present invention, the thermostability of the variants was assessed as follows: 100 μL of TAL variants at 1 g/L were incubated for 2 h at 60-80° C. in a thermocycler. After incubation, samples were briefly centrifuged, and 20 μL of the heat-treated SFP was added to 180 μL of 2.5 mM tyrosine dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. Enzymatic activity was determined as described above, and thermostability was calculated as a percentage of residual activity against the control (i.e., 60° C.) sample. Results for SEQ ID NOS: 2 and 6 are shown in Table 2-1.

TABLE 2-1 Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions Protease Resistance Thermostability SEQ (% Residual (% Residual ID NO: Tyr Vmax Tyr Km Activity at Activity at (nt/aa) (mAU/min)¹ (mM)2 0.5 g/L Protease) 60° C.) 1/2 +++ + + +++ 5/6 + ++ ++++ ¹Tyr Vmax is defined as follows: “+” = 0.5-1; “++” > 1; and “+++” > 5. 2Tyr Km is defined as follows: “+” = 0.15-0.05; and “++” < 0.05. The % residual activity for protease and thermostability challenges is defined as follows: “+” = 5-50%; “++” > 50%; “+++” > 75%; and “++++” > 90%.

Example 3 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 2

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 2, for improved tyrosine activity and phenylalanine activity are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes, using methods known in the art. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates:

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 1. TAL variant activity on tyrosine and phenylalanine were assayed as described in Example 1, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min, 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 10 min, and 50 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 10.5 mM phenylalanine for 10 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 3-1. Based on these results, SEQ ID NO: 14 was selected for further directed evolution.

TABLE 3-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2)¹ 2 mM Tyr FIOPC 2 mM Phe FIOPC SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences (Relative to (Relative to (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2) SEQ ID NO: 2) SEQ ID NO: 2)  9/10 N99H/V107A/Y184S + +++ 11/12 S79T/V107S/P410K + ++++ 13/14 K95A/V107A/Y184S ++ ++++ 15/16 S79T/P410K + +++ 17/18 V107S/A401P/A534S + +++ 19/20 S79T/K95A/V107S + ++++ 21/22 S79T/V107S + +++ 23/24 K95A/Y184S/A534S + +++ 25/26 V107A/Y184S/A534S ++ +++ 27/28 K95A/V107S/Y184S/A534S ++ +++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 2. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 4.

Example 4 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 14

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 14, for improved tyrosine activity, phenylalanine activity, and protease resistance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 13, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

High-Throughput (HTP) Growth of Cultures Expressing TAL Enzymes

Transformed E. coli cells were selected by plating onto LB agar plates containing 1% glucose. After overnight incubation at 37° C., colonies were picked onto NUNC™ (Thermo-Scientific) 96-well shallow flat bottom plates filled with 180 μL/well LB-medium supplemented with 1% glucose. Cultures were allowed to grow overnight for 18-20 hours in a shaker (200 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). Overnight growth samples (20 μL) were transferred into Costar 96-well deep plates filled with 380 μL of TB supplemented with 30 μg/mL chloramphenicol. Cultures were incubated for 2-3 hours in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner) and then induced with 40 μL of 10 mM IPTG in sterile water and incubated overnight for 20-24 hours in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). Cells were pelleted (4000 rpm×10 min), supernatants were discarded, and cells were frozen at −80° C. prior to analysis.

Lysis of HTP Cell Pellets

E. coli cell pellets were lysed with 400 μL of lysis buffer (1 mg/ml lysozyme+0.5 g/L PMBS in 20 mM sodium phosphate pH 8, with 150 mM NaCl). The mixture was agitated for 1.5-2 hours at room temperature, and pelleted (4000 rpm×10 min) after which the clarified lysates were used in HTP assays or preincubated for 2 h at 65° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). The heat-treated lysates were pelleted (4000 rpm×10 min), and the supernatants were used in HTP assays.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

TAL variant activity was assayed by measuring the formation of coumaric acid as determined by the change in absorbance at 290 nm over time. Reactions were prepared by the addition of 180 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 0.125 or 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, and 20 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate (undiluted for 0.125 mM tyrosine or diluted 5-fold for 2.5 mM tyrosine) to a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and the activity was determined by tracking the absorbance at 290 nm over time (every 14-37s over 5 min) using a SPECTRA® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. The results of these assays are shown in Table 4-1, and SEQ ID NO: 86 was selected for further directed evolution.

TAL variant activity on phenylalanine was assayed by measuring the formation of cinnamic acid as determined by the change in absorbance at 290 nm over time. Reactions were prepared by adding 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 12 mM phenylalanine, pH 7.0, and 40 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate to a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and an initial absorbance was determined by measuring the absorbance at 290 nm using a SPECTRAMAX® Plus 384 or a SPECTRAMAX® 190 (Molecular Devices) absorbance microplate reader. After incubation at 37° C. for 1.5-3 h in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm), the final absorbance was measured in a similar fashion. Activity was determined by subtracting the initial from the final absorbance, and results are shown in Table 4-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin to simulate the environment of the lower intestine. First, 50 μL of protease mix (0.25 mg/mL chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich), 0.25 mg/mL trypsin (Sigma Aldrich)) in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.0 and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate were added to a 96-well round bottom plate (Costar). The plates were sealed and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm) prior to analysis. Residual activity was determined by adding 40 μL of the protease-treated lysate to 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 3. The results of this assay are shown in Table 4-1.

TABLE 4-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 14)¹ 2 mM 0.1 mM 10 mM SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr Phe (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 14) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 29/30 K33D/K34E/Q37S/T90S/K554Q ++ +++ ++ ++ 31/32 A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 33/34 K33D/Q66N/A289R/K554Q ++ +++ ++ ++ 35/36 K34E/L46R +++ +++ ++ ++ 37/38 K33D/Q66N/A289R ++ ++ ++ ++ 39/40 K33D/K34E/T90S/A289R/K554Q ++ +++ ++ ++ 41/42 K33D/Q66N ++ ++ ++ ++ 43/44 K34E/T90S/A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 45/46 K34E/K56G/T90S/A289R ++ ++ ++ ++ 47/48 Q66N/T90S/Q279D/A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 49/50 T90S/A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 51/52 K34E/Q66N/A289R ++ ++ ++ ++ 53/54 K33D/K34E/Q37S/L46R/Q279S/K554Q ++ +++ ++ ++ 55/56 K33D/K34E/L46R/Q66N/T90S/A289R ++ ++ ++ ++ 57/58 K34E/Q37R/L46R/A289R ++ +++ ++ ++ 59/60 K33D/K34E/Q279S/A289R ++ +++ ++ ++ 61/62 K34E/K56G/T90S ++ ++ ++ ++ 63/64 K34E/Q37S/Q66N/Q279S/A289R ++ ++ ++ ++ 65/66 Q279S/A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 67/68 T90S/A289R/A519P ++ ++ ++ + 69/70 K34E/T90S/A519P ++ ++ ++ ++ 71/72 Q66N/T90S/A289R/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 73/74 A289R/A519P/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 75/76 L46R/Q66N/A289R/A519P/K554Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 77/78 S79T/E304G/L361M ++ +++ ++ + 79/80 S79T/Q111K/N531D ++ +++ ++ ++ 81/82 S79T/S407V/L461M ++ +++ + ++ 83/84 S79T/Q111K/Y234H/L361M/C500T ++ ++++ + ++ 85/86 S70K/S79T/Y234H/L361M/S407V ++ ++++ + ++ 87/88 E304G/L361M ++ +++ ++ + 89/90 S79T/E304G/L461M/N531D ++ +++ ++ + 91/92 S70K/E304G/S407V/L461M ++ +++ ++ ++ 93/94 S79T/Q111K/Y234H/N531D ++ +++ ++ ++ 95/96 A36V/S407V/L461M/C500T/N531D ++ ++ ++ ++ 97/98 A36V/Q111K/E304G/L461M/N531D ++ ++ ++ +  99/100 L461M/C500T ++ ++ ++ ++ 101/102 S70K/Q111K/L461M/C500T/N531D ++ +++ ++ ++ 103/104 L361M/C500Q/N531D ++ ++ ++ + 105/106 A36V/S79T/S407V/L461M/C500T/N531D ++ ++++ ++ ++ 107/108 A36V/S70K/Y234H/R302M/L461M/C500T ++ +++ ++ 109/110 A36V/S79T + +++ + ++ 111/112 A36V/S79T/E304G/S407V + +++ ++ + 113/114 N531D ++ ++ ++ ++ 115/116 S79T/Q111K/L361M ++ ++++ ++ ++ 117/118 S548R ++ +++ ++ ++ 119/120 A544E ++ +++ ++ ++ 121/122 K28G +++ +++ +++ ++ 123/124 E522K ++ ++++ ++ ++ 125/126 A540R ++ +++ ++ ++ 127/128 A544G ++ +++ ++ ++ 129/130 T547S ++ +++ ++ ++ 131/132 Q558A ++ ++ ++ ++ 133/134 A544S ++ +++ +++ ++ 135/136 R524Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 137/138 L295Q +++ ++ +++ + 139/140 T547C ++ ++ ++ ++ 141/142 L541A ++ +++ ++ ++ 143/144 I491V ++ ++ ++ ++ 145/146 E522G ++ +++ ++ ++ 147/148 Q66S ++ ++ ++ ++ 149/150 S548Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 151/152 K518E ++ +++ ++ ++ 153/154 P29E ++ +++ ++ ++ 155/156 E522R ++ ++++ ++ ++ 157/158 T547Q +++ +++ ++ ++ 159/160 S548T ++ +++ ++ ++ 161/162 K490I +++ ++ +++ ++ 163/164 K518V +++ +++ ++ ++ 165/166 V88Q +++ ++ +++ ++ 167/168 E522V ++ +++ ++ ++ 169/170 K201R ++ ++ ++ ++ 171/172 K554S ++ +++ ++ ++ 173/174 K28N ++ +++ ++ ++ 175/176 K28C ++ +++ ++ ++ 177/178 A278S ++ ++ ++ ++ 179/180 I491L ++ ++ ++ ++ 181/182 K33N ++ +++ ++ ++ 183/184 P29R ++ ++ ++ ++ 185/186 A540E ++ +++ ++ ++ 187/188 R524Q +++ +++ +++ ++ 189/190 T547A +++ +++ ++ ++ 191/192 H131M +++ ++ +++ ++ 193/194 S548K ++ +++ ++ ++ 195/196 E522Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 197/198 P29A ++ ++ ++ ++ 199/200 K554Y ++ ++ ++ + 201/202 V560R ++ ++ ++ ++ 203/204 K490A +++ ++ +++ ++ 205/206 T49N ++ +++ ++ ++ 207/208 K28A ++ ++ ++ ++ 209/210 T547K ++ +++ ++ ++ 211/212 A519Q ++ +++ +++ ++ 213/214 L46R ++ ++ ++ ++ 215/216 R524A ++ ++ ++ ++ 217/218 Q558H ++ ++ ++ ++ 219/220 R524T ++ ++ ++ ++ 221/222 Q66R +++ +++ +++ ++ 223/224 V88E +++ ++ ++ + 225/226 Q37A ++ ++ ++ ++ 227/228 S548A ++ ++ ++ ++ 229/230 V560T ++ ++ ++ ++ 231/232 P272S ++ ++ ++ ++ 233/234 A519L ++ ++ ++ ++ 235/236 K490V ++ ++ ++ ++ 237/238 K554R ++ +++ ++ ++ 239/240 L510K ++ +++ ++ ++ 241/242 T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 243/244 S548G ++ +++ ++ ++ 245/246 R524L +++ +++ +++ ++ 247/248 Q558S +++ +++ ++ ++ 249/250 T547R +++ +++ +++ ++ 251/252 N557E +++ +++ +++ +++ 253/254 T49D +++ +++ +++ +++ 255/256 E72T +++ ++ ++ + 257/258 Q558D +++ +++ +++ +++ 259/260 V560G ++ ++ ++ ++ 261/262 E523D ++ +++ ++ ++ 263/264 P29G ++ ++ ++ +++ 265/266 E523I + + + + 267/268 A519E +++ +++ ++ ++ 269/270 E523S ++ ++ ++ ++ 271/272 K554E ++ +++ ++ ++ 273/274 L46T ++ ++ ++ ++ 275/276 R524I +++ ++ ++ ++ 277/278 Q305H +++ ++ +++ ++ 279/280 V560M ++ +++ ++ ++ 281/282 Q142R ++ ++ ++ ++ 283/284 A519D ++ ++ ++ ++ 285/286 E523A ++ ++ ++ ++ 287/288 E523H ++ ++ ++ ++ 289/290 H131S ++ ++ ++ ++ 291/292 K28T ++ ++ ++ ++ 293/294 H131W ++ ++ ++ ++ 295/296 A69S ++ ++ ++ ++ 297/298 K490S ++ + ++ ++ 299/300 P29W ++ ++ ++ ++ 301/302 A519P ++ ++ ++ ++ 303/304 Q37D +++ +++ +++ +++ 305/306 H131G + +++ ++ ++++ 307/308 A350G +++ +++ ++ ++ 309/310 K56R ++ ++ ++ ++ 311/312 E198R + + ++ + 313/314 S521D +++ +++ ++ ++ 315/316 Q499T ++ ++ ++ ++ 317/318 K56G +++ +++ +++ +++ 319/320 N557R ++ ++ ++ ++ 321/322 A544R +++ +++ ++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 14. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.1; “++” > 1.1; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 5 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 86

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 86 for improved tyrosine activity, phenylalanine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 85, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes using methods known in the art. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine and phenylalanine were assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 4- or 5-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min, 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 5 min, and 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 10.8 mM phenylalanine for 2 h. The results of the assays are shown in Table 5-1. SEQ ID NO: 334 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate were incubated with 50 μL of protease mix consisting of 8 mg/mL chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich) and 8 mg/mL trypsin (Sigma Aldrich) in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.0. Residual activity on tyrosine was measured as described in Example 4, and the results of this assay are shown in Table 5-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer to simulate the gastric environment. First, 50 μL of McIlvaine buffer pH 4 or 4.2, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate were added to a 96-well round bottom plate (Costar). The plates were sealed and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm) prior to analysis. After incubation, the lysate solutions were briefly centrifuged, and residual activity was determined by adding 40 μL of the acidic buffer-treated lysate to 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Table 5-1.

TABLE 5-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 86)¹ SEQ ID 2 mM 0.1 mM 10 mM NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr pH 4 Phe (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 86) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 323/324 K33D/K34E/Q66N/A289R/E522K/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ N531D 325/326 K33D/K34E/K70S/H234Y/A289R/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ A519P 327/328 K34E/Q66N/K70S/H234Y/K518V/ +++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ A519P/T547Q 329/330 K33N/K34E/T49N/H234Y/N531D/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T547Q/K554Q 331/332 K34E/Q66N/N531D/K554Q +++ +++ ++ +++ ++ 333/334 K34E/A289R/E522K/A544E/K554Q +++ ++ +++ ++++ ++ 335/336 K33D/K34E/K70S/H234Y/K518V/ ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ A519P/T547Q/K554Q 337/338 Q66N/K70S/H234Y ++ ++ + +++ + 339/340 K34E/H234Y/E522K/K554Q ++ ++ +++ ++++ ++ 341/342 K34E/K70S/A289R/E522K ++ ++ ++ ++ + 343/344 K34E/A289R ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ 345/346 H234Y/N531D/A544E/T547Q ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ 347/348 K33D/K34E/Q66N/K70S/A519P/ +++ +++ + +++ ++ N531D 349/350 K34E/T49N/Q66N/N531D +++ ++ ++ +++ ++ 351/352 K34E/K70S/H234Y/A289R/E522K ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 353/354 K28N/K34E/T49N/K70S/H234Y/ +++ ++ ++ +++ ++ A289R/A544E/K554Q 355/356 K33D/K34E/K70S/A289R/E522K/ +++ ++ ++ +++ ++ K554Q 357/358 K33D/K34E/A289R/E522K/N531D +++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 359/360 K34E/K70S/H234Y/K554Q +++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 361/362 K34E/T49N/A289R/A544E/T547Q +++ ++ +++ +++ ++ 363/364 K34E/A289R/E522K/N531D +++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ 365/366 K34E/Q66N/K554Q +++ ++ +++ +++ ++ 367/368 K34E/A544E ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ 369/370 K34E/T49N/H234Y/N531D/K554Q +++ +++ +++ ++++ ++ 371/372 K34E/E522K ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 86. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 6 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 334

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 334 for improved tyrosine activity, phenylalanine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 333, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 4-10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min and 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 5 min. TAL variant activity on phenylalanine was assayed as described in Examples 1 and 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 2.2 mM phenylalanine for 5 min at room temperature or for 1-3 h at 37° C. The results of the assays are shown in Table 6-1. SEQ ID NO: 388 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 4, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with either 50 μL 8 g/L protease mix for 1 h at 37° C. or with 4 g/L protease mix for 2 h at 37° C. Residual activity was determined by adding 20 μL of the protease-treated lysate to 180 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-Star® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Table 6-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 5, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 50 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 4. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 5, and the results of this assay are shown in Table 6-1.

TABLE 6-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 334)¹ SEQ ID 2 mM 0.1 mM 2 mM NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr pH 4 Phe (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 334) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 373/374 I336V ++ ++ + ++ + 375/376 L506R ++ + + + + 377/378 A43T/S59A/L93Q/L506R + + + + + 379/380 Q237R/N238V/L506R + + + + + 381/382 A65N/I336V ++ + + + + 383/384 P306L/L506R ++ + + ++ + 385/386 A43T/P306L ++ + ++ + 387/388 L93Q/L506R + ++ + + + 389/390 P306L ++ + + ++ + 391/392 A43T/P306L/L506R + + + + 393/394 R103W/P306L/L506R + + + ++ + 395/396 K56G/H234Y/C500T + ++ + ++ + 397/398 Q37D/T49N/K56G/C500T/ ++ ++ + + + R524Q 399/400 Q66N ++ ++ ++ ++ + 401/402 Q37D/T49N/Q111K/R524Q ++ + ++ ++ + 403/404 Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/C500T + ++ + + + 405/406 T49N/K56G/Q66N/Q111K/ + + + ++ + T153N/H234Y/C500T/R524Q 407/408 Q37D/Q111K ++ ++ + + + 409/410 H234Y ++ ++ ++ + 411/412 Q37D/H234Y + + + ++ + 413/414 Q37D/T49N/Q66N/Q111K/ + ++ + + + H234Y 415/416 Q111K/M361L ++ + ++ + 417/418 Q558D + ++ + ++ + 419/420 T49N/Q66N ++ + + ++ + 421/422 Q37D/T49N/K56G/Q66N/ + + + ++ + Q111K 423/424 M361L/R524Q/N557E/Q558D + + + + + 425/426 Q37D/T49N/K56G/H234Y/ ++ + + ++ + N557E 427/428 Q37D/Q111K/M361L/C500T/ ++ ++ ++ ++ + N557E/Q558D 429/430 Q111K/H234Y/S548K/Q558D ++ ++ ++ + + 431/432 H234Y/R524Q ++ ++ ++ + + 433/434 K56G/Q111K/H234Y ++ + ++ ++ + 435/436 T421S ++ ++ + + 437/438 A107T/G417A/T421A + + 439/440 G417A/T421S ++ ++ + + ++ 441/442 A107T ++ + ++ ++ + 443/444 R103W/T421S + + + ++ 445/446 A172S + 447/448 R103W/A107T/G417A/T421S + + + ++ + 449/450 R103W + + + + 451/452 Y104F/H105M ++++ 453/454 A504R + + + + + 455/456 S328A + + + + + 457/458 E145V + + + + + 459/460 Q471Y + + + + 461/462 R103L + + + + ++ 463/464 G549D + + + + + 465/466 C61V ++ + + 467/468 E304N ++ + 469/470 V407T + + + + 471/472 L211K + + 473/474 H155S + + + + + 475/476 T146K + + ++ + + 477/478 A95K + + + + 479/480 A65M + + 481/482 A286Q + + + + + 483/484 A95V + ++ + + 485/486 T31S + + + + 487/488 P197T + + + 489/490 V407K + + + + 491/492 H155L + + + + 493/494 A286R + + + 495/496 L506V + + ++ + + ¹All activities were determined relative to reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 334. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: “+” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 7 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 388

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 388 for improved tyrosine activity, phenylalanine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 387, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min and 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 5 min TAL variant activity on phenylalanine was assayed as described in Example 4 with the following conditions: 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 2.2 mM phenylalanine for 5 min at room temperature or for 2 h at 37° C. The results of the assays are shown in Table 7-1. SEQ ID NO: 604 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 4, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 50 μL 8 g/L protease mix for 2 h at 37° C. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 6. The results of this assay are shown in Table 7-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 5, and 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 50 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 4. Residual activity was determined by adding 20 μL of the acidic buffer-treated lysate to 180 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-Star® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Table 7-1.

TABLE 7-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 388)¹ SEQ ID 2 mM 0.1 mM 2 mM NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr pH 4 Phe (nt/aa) (Relative to ID NO: 388) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 497/498 Q66N/R103L/E145V/H234Y/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T421S 499/500 S59A/E145V ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 501/502 T49N/S59A/Q66N/Q111K/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ + E145V/H234Y 503/504 Q111K/E145V/H234Y ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 505/506 K56G/Q66N/E145V/C500T ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 507/508 K56G/S59A/Q66N/H234Y ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ 509/510 R103L/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T421S 511/512 Q111K/H234Y ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 513/514 K56G/S59A/Q111K/E145V/H ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 234Y/T421S 515/516 T49N/K56G/S59A/H234Y/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ C500T 517/518 S59A/H234Y ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 519/520 E145V/H234Y/C500T ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 521/522 K56G/R103L/Q111K/E145V/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ H234Y/C500T 523/524 Q37D/R103L/Q111K/E145V/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T421S/C500T/R524Q 525/526 K56G/S59A/Q111K/E145V ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 527/528 S59A/R103L/E145V/H234Y/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T421S/C500T 529/530 T49N/S59A/E145V/H234Y/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ T421S 531/532 Q37D/T49N/K56G/S59A/ ++ +++ ++ ++ ++ E145V 533/534 S59A/R103L/H234Y/T421S ++ ++ ++ ++++ ++ 535/536 C61V/V407T + ++ + ++ 537/538 A286Q/S328A/V407T/A504R/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ + G549D 539/540 C61V/S328A/A504R + ++ + ++++ ++ 541/542 A95K/V407T ++ ++ ++ + 543/544 T31S/A95K/A286Q/A504R/ ++ ++ + ++++ + G549D 545/546 C61V/A95K/S328A/V407T ++ +++ ++ ++ + 547/548 T31S/A95K/S328A/A504R ++ ++ ++ + + 549/550 C61V/A95K/V407T ++ +++ ++ ++ ++ 551/552 G549D ++ ++ + ++++ ++ 553/554 A95K/A286Q ++ ++ ++ + 555/556 C61V/A504R + ++ + ++++ ++ 557/558 A95K/A286Q/S328A/A504R ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 559/560 A95K/H155S/A286Q/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 561/562 T31S/A95K/H155S/A286Q/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ + A504R/G549D 563/564 T31S/A95K/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 565/566 C61V/A95K/A504R/T547Q ++ +++ ++ +++ ++ 567/568 A95K/H155S/A286Q/S328A/ ++ ++ ++ +++ + V407T/A504R 569/570 T31S/A95K/A504R ++ ++ ++ ++ + 571/572 A95K/A286Q/T547Q ++ ++ ++ + 573/574 C61V/S328A/A504R/G549D + +++ + ++++ ++ 575/576 T31S/C61V/A95K/Q471Y/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ A504R 577/578 C61V/A286Q/V407T + +++ ++ ++ ++ 579/580 A95K/S328A/A504R ++ ++ ++ ++ + 581/582 A95K/V407T/A504R ++ ++ ++ ++ + 583/584 T31S/C61V/V407T/A504R + ++ + ++ ++ 585/586 A95K/G549D ++ +++ ++ ++++ + 587/588 T31S/A95K/A286Q/A504R ++ ++ ++ ++ + 589/590 T31S/A95K/Q237K/A504R/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ + T547Q/G549D 591/592 C61V + +++ + ++ ++ 593/594 C61V/A95K/S328A/G549D ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ 595/596 C61V/A95K/A286Q ++ +++ ++ + ++ 597/598 C61V/A95K/A286Q/S328A/ ++ +++ ++ ++++ ++ A504R 599/600 C61V/A95K/H155S/A286Q/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ + V407T/Q471Y 601/602 T31S/C61V/A95K/V407T/ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ A504R 603/604 A95K/A286Q/S328A/V407T/ ++ ++ ++ +++ + A504R 605/606 A95K/G287S/A504R/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ + 607/608 T31S/C61V/A95K/A286Q/ ++ +++ ++ + ++ S328A 609/610 C61V/S328A + ++ + ++ ++ 611/612 A95K/A504R/T547Q ++ ++ ++ + + 613/614 C61V/A95K/H155S/V407T ++ ++ + ++++ + ¹All activities were determined relative to reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 388. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: “+” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 8 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 604

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 604, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 603, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min and 20 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 8-1. SEQ ID NO: 736 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 4, and 50 μL of HTP lysate diluted 2-fold was incubated with 50 μL 3 g/L protease mix for 1 h at 37° C. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Table 8-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 5, and 40 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 60 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 4. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 5. The results of this assay are shown in Table 8-1.

TABLE 8-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 604) 2 mM 0.1 mM SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr pH 4 (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 604) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 615/616 N531D ++ + ++ ++ 617/618 Q37A/K56G/S59A/H234Y/N531D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 619/620 A36V/H131M + + ++ ++++ 621/622 Q37A/K56G/S59A/R103L/E145V/H234Y/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ A328Q/Q471Y/N531D 623/624 A36V/Q37A/H131M/E145V/H234Y/A328S + + + ++++ 625/626 A36V/Q37A/E145V/H234Y + ++ ++ ++++ 627/628 K56G/S59 A/R103L/Q471Y/N531D + + ++ +++ 629/630 A36V/S59A/H234Y/A328S + + ++++ 631/632 Q37A/H234Y/Q471Y + ++ ++ ++++ 633/634 A36V/K56G/E145V/H234Y/A328S + ++ ++ ++++ 635/636 H234Y/N531D ++ + ++ ++++ 637/638 A36V/Q37A/R103L/H234Y + ++ + ++++ 639/640 H234Y/A328Q ++ ++ ++ ++++ 641/642 H234Y/A328S/Q471Y + ++ ++ ++++ 643/644 Q37A/K56G/H234Y/N531D + + + ++++ 645/646 A36V/R103L/E145V/A328S/N531D + ++ ++ ++++ 647/648 A36V/Q37A/S59A/H131M/N531D ++ + ++ ++++ 649/650 A36V/S59A/N531D + ++ ++ ++++ 651/652 K56G/S59A/Q471Y/N531D ++ ++ ++ +++ 653/654 Q37A/K56G/S59A/H234Y/A328S/R524L/ + ++++ N531D 655/656 H234Y + ++++ 657/658 S59A/A328Q/R524L/N531D ++ + ++ ++++ 659/660 A36V/H234Y/N531D + + ++ ++++ 661/662 A36V/Q37A/K56G/S59A/E145V/H234Y/ + ++ + ++++ A328S 663/664 Q37A/S59A/H234Y + + + ++++ 665/666 A36V/Q37A/H234Y/A328Q/N531D + + ++ ++++ 667/668 H131M/H234Y/A328Q +++ ++ ++++ 669/670 A36V/Q37A/E145V/H234Y/A328S/Q471Y/ + + ++ ++++ N531D 671/672 K518V/A519E/S548K/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 673/674 L46T/T49D/A519E +++ ++ ++ ++ 675/676 L46R/H155L ++ ++ ++ + 677/678 K33N/L46T/K518V/A534S/S548K/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 679/680 I336V/A519P ++ ++ ++ +++ 681/682 T49D/A519P +++ +++ ++ ++ 683/684 K33N/L46T/T49D/G549D ++ ++ + ++++ 685/686 S548K/G549D + + ++ ++++ 687/688 L46T/S548K +++ ++ ++ +++ 689/690 G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 691/692 K33N/T49D/I336V +++ +++ ++ +++ 693/694 K33N/L46T/T49D/I336V/A519E/S548K/ ++ ++ + ++++ G549D 695/696 K33N/L46T/T49D +++ +++ ++ ++ 697/698 A519P ++ + ++ ++ 699/700 L46R/T49D/A519P +++ +++ ++ +++ 701/702 K33N/L46R/T49D/G549D +++ +++ ++ ++++ 703/704 K33N/L336V/A519P ++ ++ ++ +++ 705/706 L46R/T49D/K518V/A519E/S548K/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 707/708 L46R/T49D ++ ++ ++ ++ 709/710 K33N/L46T/A519E ++ + ++ ++ 711/712 L541A + + 713/714 S521D ++ ++ ++ ++ 715/716 Q66R/A540R ++ + ++ +++ 717/718 E523D + + + 719/720 P29E/Q66N/Q111K/A540R ++ ++ ++ + 721/722 Q111K ++ ++ ++ +++ 723/724 Q111K/E523A/N557E ++ ++ ++ ++ 725/726 P29E/Q111K + + + 727/728 P29G/Q66N/Q111K + + + 729/730 P29E/Q111K/E523D + + + 731/732 Q111K/L510K/S521D/E523A/L541A/Q558D ++ + ++ +++ 733/734 F14S/S114P/E283D/R289Q ++ ++ ++ ++++ 735/736 F14S/K56R/S114P ++ ++ ++ ++++ 737/738 K56R/S114P/I291V ++ ++ ++ ++++ 739/740 F14S/S114P/K518Q ++ ++ ++ ++++ 741/742 K56R/S114P/E206P/E283D ++ ++ ++ ++++ 743/744 F14S/E283D/R289Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ + 745/746 S114P/E283D/I291V ++ ++ ++ ++++ 747/748 K56R/S114P/I291V/K518Q/I562S ++ + ++ ++++ 749/750 S114P/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++++ 751/752 K56R/S114P/K518Q +++ ++ ++ ++++ 753/754 F14S/S114P/E283S/R289Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++++ 755/756 S114P/E283D/R289Q/Q305E/K518Q +++ ++ ++ ++++ 757/758 S114P/R289Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++++ 759/760 S114P/K518Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++++ 761/762 F14S/S114P/E283D/R289Q/I291V ++ ++ ++ ++++ 763/764 S114P/I291V/K518Q ++ ++ ++ ++++ 765/766 F14S/H234L/E283D/I291V/Q305E ++ ++ ++ ++++ 767/768 K56R/K518Q ++ ++ ++ + 769/770 S114P/E283D/R289Q/I291V ++ ++ ++ ++++ 771/772 S114P/I291V ++ + ++ ++++ 773/774 S114P/R289Q ++ ++ ++ ++++ 775/776 S114P ++ ++ ++ ++++ 777/778 F14S/S114P/I291V/K518Q/I562S ++ + ++ ++++ 779/780 Q305E ++ ++ ++ + 781/782 S114P/E206P/E283S/R289Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++++ 783/784 K56R ++ ++ ++ ++ 785/786 R289Q/I562S ++ ++ ++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 604. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: “+” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 9 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 736

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 736 for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 735, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4 with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min and 10 μL of undiluted HTP lysate was assayed with 0.1 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Tables 9.1 and 9.2. SEQ ID NO: 790 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 7, and residual activity was determined as described in Example 6. The results of this assay are shown in Tables 9-1 and 9-2.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 8, and residual activity was determined as described in Example 7. The results of this assay are shown in Tables 9-1 and 9-2.

TABLE 9-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 736)¹ 2 mM SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 4 (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 736) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 787/788 G549D + + ++ 789/790 T49D/S59A/R289Q/I562S + ++ + 791/792 S59A/E145V/H234Y/I291V + + ++ 793/794 T49D/S59A/Q66N/R289Q + ++ + 795/796 R56G/H234Y/I291V + + 797/798 R56G/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/N531D + + ++ 799/800 T49D/Q111K/N531D + + + 801/802 Q111K/I291V + + 803/804 K518Q/N531D/G549D/I562S + + ++ 805/806 R56G/S59A/E145V/R289Q/K518Q/I562S ++ ++ + 807/808 I291V/K518Q/G549D + ++ 809/810 R56G/S59A/H234Y + ++ ++ 811/812 R56G/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/ + + ++ I562S 813/814 K518Q + + + 815/816 Q111K/E145V + ++ 817/818 T49D/R56G/Q66N/H234Y + ++ + 819/820 H234Y + + ++ 821/822 T49D/R56G/Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/I291V/ + + + K518Q 823/824 T49D/R56G/S59A/Q66N/I291V/N531D/ + + ++ G549D 825/826 Q111K/E145V/H234Y/I291V/I562S + + ++ 827/828 Q111K/E145V/H234Y/I562S + + ++ 829/830 T49D/R56G/S59A/Q111K/G549D + ++ ++ 831/832 Q111K/R289Q + + ++ 833/834 S59A + + ++ 835/836 R56G/Q111K/K518Q/G549D + + + 837/838 T49D/Q66N/Q111K/H234Y/I291V/K518Q/ + + ++ I562S 839/840 N531D + + + 841/842 R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V/K518Q/N531D + + 843/844 R56G/S59A/Q111K/E283D/K518Q/N531D + + + 845/846 T49D/H234Y + + ++ 847/848 S59A/H234Y/I291V + + ++ 849/850 Q111K/H234Y + + ++ 851/852 D20G/S59A/H234Y/K518Q/G549D/I562S + ++ 853/854 R56G/S59A/K518Q + + + 855/856 R56G/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q + ++ ++ 857/858 D20G/T49D/R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V + 859/860 S59A/H234Y/I291V/I387T/G549D/I562S + + 861/862 T49D/S59A/Q66N/E145V/H234Y + 863/864 Q111K/K518Q + + + 865/866 H234Y/K518Q/G549D + + ++ 867/868 S59A/Q111K/ + + ++ 869/870 R56G/Q111K/E145V/H234Y/K518Q/G549D/ + + ++ I562S 871/872 R56G/S59A/H234Y/K518Q + + ++ 873/874 R56G/S59A/Q111K/I291V + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 736. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: “+” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

TABLE 9-2 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 736)¹ 2 mM 0.1 mM SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease Tyr pH 4 (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 736) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 875/876 K33N/Q37A/K518V/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 877/878 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/E523D/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 879/880 K33N/L46R/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 881/882 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/S521D/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 883/884 Q37A/Q305E/I336V/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 885/886 L46R/R103L/Q305E/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 887/888 Q37A/R103L/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 889/890 Q37A/I336V/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 891/892 Q37A/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 893/894 K33N/L46R/I336V/S521D/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 895/896 K33N/Q37A/E523D/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 897/898 L46R/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 899/900 E523D ++ ++ ++ 901/902 K33N/L46R/K518V/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ 903/904 K33N/Q37A/I336V/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 905/906 L46R/Q305E/E523D/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 907/908 K33N/L46R ++ ++ ++ ++ 909/910 Q37A/L541A + ++ + ++ 911/912 K33N/L46R/Q305E/I336V ++ ++ ++ ++ 913/914 L46R/Q305E/I336V/K522E ++ + ++ ++ 915/916 L46R/R103L/Q305E ++ + ++ +++ 917/918 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A328Q/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 919/920 L46R/Q305E/Q471Y ++ + ++ ++ 921/922 Q37A/Q305E/E523D/L541A/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 923/924 Q37A/Q305E/L541A/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 925/926 L46R/I336V/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 927/928 K33N/Q37A/R103L/A519P/E523D ++ ++ ++ +++ 929/930 K33N/L46R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 931/932 K33N/L46R/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 933/934 Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 935/936 Q37A/E523D/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 937/938 Q37A/I336V/Q471Y/L541A/S548K + ++ ++ ++ 939/940 K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 941/942 K33N/Q37A/R103L/K518V/E523D/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 943/944 K33N/Q37A/Q471Y/E523D/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 945/946 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q471Y/A519P/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 947/948 L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/E523D + + ++ +++ 949/950 Q37A/Q471Y/S521D/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 951/952 K33N/Q37A/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 953/954 Q37A/S521D/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 955/956 K33N/L46R/I336V/S521D + ++ + ++ 957/958 L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 959/960 Q37A/Q305E/I336V/E523D/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 961/962 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 963/964 Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 965/966 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 967/968 Q37A/Q305E/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 969/970 Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/E523D/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 971/972 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E ++ ++ ++ +++ 973/974 K33N/Q37A/I336V/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 975/976 K33N/Q37A/K518V/S521D/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 977/978 K33N/Q37A/I336V ++ ++ ++ ++ 979/980 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/A328Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 981/982 Q37A/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 983/984 Q37A/I336V/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 985/986 L46R/R103L/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 987/988 K33N/Q37A ++ ++ ++ ++ 989/990 Q37A/R103L/A519P/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 991/992 Q37A/R103L/A328Q/S521D/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 993/994 L46R/S521D/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 995/996 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 997/998 L46R/R103L/Q305E/P520Q/A540R ++ + ++ +++  999/1000 L46R/Q305E/I336V/K518V ++ + ++ ++ 1001/1002 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 1003/1004 Q37A/A519P ++ ++ ++ ++ 1005/1006 Q37A/Q471Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 1007/1008 L46R/Q305E ++ + ++ ++ 1009/1010 R103L ++ ++ ++ +++ 1011/1012 L46R/E523D/L541A/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1013/1014 K33N/Q37A/K518V/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1015/1016 Q37A/Q471Y/K518V ++ ++ ++ ++ 1017/1018 K33N/L46R/R103L/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 1019/1020 Q37A/S521D/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1021/1022 K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/S548K ++ + ++ +++ 1023/1024 L46R/Q305E/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1025/1026 Q37A/Q305E/A519P/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1027/1028 Q37A/I336V/S521D/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 1029/1030 Q37A/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1031/1032 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/L541A/ ++ ++ ++ ++++ S548K 1033/1034 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 1035/1036 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1037/1038 Q37A/Q305E/I336V ++ ++ ++ +++ 1039/1040 Q37A/Q305E/S521D/A540R ++ + ++ ++ 1041/1042 S521D/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1043/1044 K33N/Q37A/R103L/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1045/1046 R103L/S521D/E523D/A540R + ++ + +++ 1047/1048 K33N/L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 1049/1050 Q37A/I336V ++ ++ ++ ++ 1051/1052 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1053/1054 K33N/L46R/Q305E ++ + ++ ++ 1055/1056 Q37A/R103L/A328Q/I336V/K518V/E523D/ ++ ++ ++ +++ S548K 1057/1058 L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/Q471Y/A540R/ ++ ++ ++ +++ S548K 1059/1060 K33N/L46R/R103L/Q305E/I336V/K518V/ ++ ++ ++ +++ A519P/A540R 1061/1062 L46R/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1063/1064 Q37A/R103L ++ ++ + +++ 1065/1066 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/Q471Y ++ ++ ++ +++ 1067/1068 K33N/L46R/I336V/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1069/1070 Q37A/Q305E/L541A ++ + ++ 1071/1072 L46R/Q305E/I336V/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1073/1074 K33N/Q37A/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1075/1076 Q37A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1077/1078 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/E523D/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1079/1080 L46R/Q305E/I336V ++ + ++ ++ 1081/1082 K33N/Q37A/R103L/I336V/K518V/L541A/ ++ ++ ++ +++ S548K 1083/1084 L46R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1085/1086 K33N/Q37A/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1087/1088 Q37A/R103L/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1089/1090 K33N/Q37A/Q305E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1091/1092 Q37A/R103L/I336V/S521D/L541A + ++ + +++ 1093/1094 K33N/L46R/Q66K/Q305E/S521D/E523D/ + ++ +++ A540R/S548K 1095/1096 K33N/Q37A/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1097/1098 L46R/E523D/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1099/1100 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/A540R ++ ++ ++ +++ 1101/1102 K33N/Q37A/R103L ++ ++ ++ +++ 1103/1104 L46R/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1105/1106 Q37A/I336V/S521D/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1107/1108 L46R/R103L/S548K ++ ++ ++ +++ 1109/1110 Q37A/R103L/I336V ++ ++ ++ +++ 1111/1112 L46R/L541A/S548K ++ ++ + ++ 1113/1114 Q37A/Q305E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1115/1116 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V/S521D/E523D/ ++ + ++ +++ A540R/S548K 1117/1118 K33N/L46R/Q305E/K518V/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1119/1120 L46R/I336V/S521D/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1121/1122 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/S521D/E523D/ ++ ++ ++ ++ S548K 1123/1124 Q305E/I336V/L541A/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1125/1126 L46R/R103L/E523D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1127/1128 Q37A/Q305E/I336V/L541A/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1129/1130 Q37A/R103L/Q305E/I336V ++ + ++ +++ 1131/1132 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/K518V/E523D ++ + ++ ++ 1133/1134 L46R/R103L/L541A ++ ++ + +++ 1135/1136 I336V/S548K + ++ + ++ 1137/1138 R103L/I336V/A519P/S548K ++ ++ + +++ 1139/1140 Q37A/Q471Y/K518V/A519P/E523D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1141/1142 A519P/S548K + + + ++ 1143/1144 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/Q471Y/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1145/1146 K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q305E ++ + ++ ++ 1147/1148 Q37A/Q305E/S521D/E523D/A540R/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1149/1150 K33N/L46R/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1151/1152 Q37A/Q305E/Q471Y ++ + ++ ++ 1153/1154 Q37A/I336V/E523D/S548K + + + ++ 1155/1156 Q37A/Q305E/S521D/L541A/S548K ++ + ++ ++ 1157/1158 K33N/R103L/I336V/K518V/S521D/S548K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1159/1160 K33N/Q37A/Q305E/I336V/L541A ++ + ++ ++ 1161/1162 K33N/Q471Y/E523D/L541A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1163/1164 L46R/R103L/A540R/S548K + + + ++ 1165/1166 K33N/Q37A/R103L/E523D + ++ + ++ 1167/1168 L46R/I336V/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1169/1170 L46R/S521D/E523D/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1171/1172 L46R/L541A ++ ++ ++ + 1173/1174 K33N/L46R/I336V/Q471Y/A519P/E523D/ ++ ++ ++ ++ S548K 1175/1176 Q37A/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1177/1178 L46R/T49D/N531D/G549D + + + ++ 1179/1180 R289Q/S521D/E523D + + + 1181/1182 H234Y/R289Q/E523D/N531D/G549D/I562S + + + +++ 1183/1184 R289Q + + + + 1185/1186 S521D + + + + 1187/1188 L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V + + + +++ 1189/1190 L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/L436V/ + + + ++ G549D 1191/1192 L46R/T49D/H234Y/G549D + + + +++ 1193/1194 T49D + + + 1195/1196 T49D/R289Q/Q305E/I336V/E523D + + + 1197/1198 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D/ + + + ++ N531D/G549D 1199/1200 S59A/G549D + + + +++ 1201/1202 T49D/S59A/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D/ + + ++ N531D/G549D 1203/1204 L46R/H234Y/R289Q/G549S + + + +++ 1205/1206 T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D + + + ++ 1207/1208 S59A/Q111K/R289Q + + + +++ 1209/1210 R289Q/I336V/G549D + + + ++ 1211/1212 T49D/Q111K/H234Y + + + +++ 1213/1214 T49D/H234Y/Q305E/G549D + + + +++ 1215/1216 H234Y/S521D/E523D/G549D + + ++ 1217/1218 L46R/T49D/R289Q/E523D/N531D/G549D/ + + + ++ I562S 1219/1220 T49D/Q111K/E523D/N531D/G549D ++ + + ++ 1221/1222 T49D/H234Y/G549D + ++ + +++ 1223/1224 T49D/H234Y/R289Q + ++ + ++ 1225/1226 L46R/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/G549D + + + +++ 1227/1228 Q111K/R289Q/I336V/S521D + + + ++ 1229/1230 T49D/H234Y + ++ + ++ 1231/1232 T49D/E523D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1233/1234 L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/ + ++ + +++ G549D 1235/1236 T49D/Q111K/R289Q + ++ + + 1237/1238 T49D/S59A/Q111K/R289Q/E523D + ++ + ++ 1239/1240 H234Y/I562S + + + ++ 1241/1242 S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/Q305E/I336V/ + + + ++++ G549D 1243/1244 L46R/S59A/G549D/I562S/ + ++ + +++ 1245/1246 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/S521D/ + + + ++ E523D 1247/1248 H234Y/R289Q/N531D + + + ++ 1249/1250 H234Y/G549D + + + +++ 1251/1252 H234Y/R289Q/G549D + + + +++ 1253/1254 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/S521D/E523D/ + + + ++ N531D/G549D/I562S 1255/1256 H234Y/A540R + + + +++ 1257/1258 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/N531D + + + ++ 1259/1260 H234Y/R289Q + + + ++ 1261/1262 T49D/S521D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1263/1264 R289Q/S521D/E523D/G549D + + + +++ 1265/1266 T49D/S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/S521D + ++ + +++ 1267/1268 T49D/R289Q/I336V/S521D/N531D + + + 1269/1270 T49D/S59A/S521D/N531D + + + ++ 1271/1272 Q111K/H234Y/R289Q + + + +++ 1273/1274 L46R/R289Q/G549D + + + +++ 1275/1276 T49D/S59A/H234Y/R289Q/I336V + + + ++ 1277/1278 H234Y/I336V/N531D/I562S + + + +++ 1279/1280 T49D/I336V/S521D/I562S + + + + 1281/1282 L46R/Q111K/H234Y/S521D/G549D + + + +++ 1283/1284 Q111K/S521D/E523D/G549D + + + +++ 1285/1286 L46R/T49D/H234Y/I336V/S521D/E523D/ + + + +++ G549D 1287/1288 T49D/S59A/I336V + + + ++ 1289/1290 S521D/I562S + + + + 1291/1292 H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D + + + +++ 1293/1294 L46R/T49D/H234Y/R289Q/I336V + + + ++ 1295/1296 T49D/S521D/N531D/G549D/I562S + + + ++ 1297/1298 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/G549D + ++ + +++ 1299/1300 S59A/Q111K/I336V + + + +++ 1301/1302 L46R/T49D/S59A/Q111K/E523D/N531D/ + + + +++ G549D 1303/1304 L46R/T49D/Q111K/I336V/G549D + + + +++ 1305/1306 T49D/H234Y/R289Q/I336V/N531D/G549D + + + ++ 1307/1308 Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/E523D + + + +++ 1309/1310 L46R/T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/N531D/ + + + +++ G549D 1311/1312 L46R/H234Y/G549D + + + +++ 1313/1314 S59A + + + ++ 1315/1316 T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/N531D/A540R + + + ++ 1317/1318 T49D/S59A/R289Q/I336V + ++ + ++ 1319/1320 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1321/1322 L46R + + + + 1323/1324 R289Q/S521D/E523D/A540R + + + + 1325/1326 G549D + + + ++ 1327/1328 L46R/Q111K/E523D/N531D/G549D + + + ++ 1329/1330 T49D/S59A/R289Q/Q305E/I336V ++ + + ++ 1331/1332 L46R/S59A/H234Y + + + +++ 1333/1334 T49D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1335/1336 H234Y/N531D/G549D + + + +++ 1337/1338 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/N531D/G549D + + + +++ 1339/1340 T49D/R289Q/I336V + + + 1341/1342 S59A/Q111K/H234Y/R289Q/Q305E/G549D + + + ++++ 1343/1344 N531D/G549D + + + ++ 1345/1346 Q111K/R289Q/I336V/E523D/G549D + + + +++ 1347/1348 H234Y/R289Q/I336V/E523D + + + ++ 1349/1350 H234Y/I336V + + + ++ 1351/1352 A540R + + + + 1353/1354 T49D/Q111K/H234Y/N531D + + + ++ 1355/1356 H234Y + + + ++ 1357/1358 T49D/Q111K + + + + 1359/1360 T49D/Q111K/N531D/G549D + + + ++ 1361/1362 L46R/G549D + + + ++ 1363/1364 Q111K/I336V/I562S + ++ + ++ 1365/1366 H234Y/E523D/N531D + + + ++ 1367/1368 T49D/H234Y/R289Q/E523D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1369/1370 T49D/Q111K/R289Q/I336V/S521D/G549D + ++ + ++ 1371/1372 T49D/H234Y/S521D + + + ++ 1373/1374 L46R/T49D/H234Y/A540R/G549D + + + +++ 1375/1376 L46R/S521D/E523D/G549D + + + ++ 1377/1378 S521D/G549D + + + ++ 1379/1380 L46R/H234Y/S521D/E523D/N531D/A540R/ + + + +++ G549D 1381/1382 R289Q/E523D + + + + 1383/1384 H234Y/S521D/E523D + + + ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 736. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: “+” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; “+++” > 2; and “++++” > 3.

Example 10 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 790

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 790 for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 790 was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4 with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Tables 10-1 and 10-2. SEQ ID NO: 1454 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin, whereby 50 μL of HTP lysate diluted 2-fold was incubated with 50 μL 4 g/L protease mix for 2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). Protease mix consisted of 4 mg/mL chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich) and 4 mg/mL trypsin (Sigma Aldrich) in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8.0. Residual activity was determined by adding 40 μL of the protease-treated lysate to 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Tables 10-1 and 10-2.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer, whereby 90 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 90 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 4 for 1-2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). After incubation, the lysate solutions were briefly centrifuged, and residual activity was determined by adding 20 μL of the acidic buffer-treated lysate to 180 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Tables 10-1 and 10-2.

In some instances, the acidic buffer-treated lysate described above was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay. After pretreatment with acidic buffer, the lysate solutions were briefly centrifuged, and 75 μL of the supernatant was incubated with 75 μL 4 g/L protease mix dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate dibasic for 2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). Residual activity was determined by adding 40 μL of the pretreated lysate to 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 4. The results of this assay are shown in Table 10-1.

TABLE 10-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine under various conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 790)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 4 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 790) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1385/1386 L202R/K332Q/D408E ++ ++ ++ + 1387/1388 K44R + + + + 1389/1390 D408E ++ ++ + + 1391/1392 I24T/L202R/G351N + ++ + ++ 1393/1394 I24T/K44R/R464Q + ++ + + 1395/1396 I24T/K201N/L202R/G351N/Q507R + ++ + ++ 1397/1398 L202R + ++ + + 1399/1400 K33N/Q37A/Q111K/S548K + ++ + + 1401/1402 K33N/R56G/R103L/Q111K + ++ + + 1403/1404 L46R/I336V/A540R/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1405/1406 K33N/I336V/G549D + ++ + + 1407/1408 K33N/I336V/A540R/S548K + + + + 1409/1410 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/Q111K/H234Y + ++ ++ ++ 1411/1412 Q37A/L46R/R56G/E523D + ++ + + 1413/1414 K33N/I336V + ++ + + 1415/1416 K33N/Q37A/E523D/A540R/S548K ++ ++ + + 1417/1418 K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q111K/I336V/A540R + + ++ ++ 1419/1420 K33N/L46R/R56G/H234Y/A248V/G549D + ++ + ++ 1421/1422 K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y + ++ + + 1423/1424 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/R103L/E523D/ + ++ + ++ A540R/S548K/G549D 1425/1426 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/Q111K/H234Y/ + ++ + ++ E523D 1427/1428 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/Q111K/S548K/ + ++ + ++ G549D 1429/1430 Q37A/L46R/H234Y + ++ ++ ++ 1431/1432 L46R/H234Y/A540R/S548K + + + ++ 1433/1434 Q37A/Q111K/E523D + ++ + + 1435/1436 K33N/L46R + ++ + ++ 1437/1438 K33N/L46R/R103L/E523D/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1439/1440 K33N/H234Y/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K/ + ++ + ++ G549D 1441/1442 Q37A/R56G/H234Y/I336V/E523D/A540R/ + +++ + ++ S548K/G549D 1443/1444 K33N/Q111K/H234Y/S548K + ++ + ++ 1445/1446 K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/E523D/ + ++ + ++ S548K 1447/1448 K33N/R103L/Q111K/L336V + ++ + + 1449/1450 H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1451/1452 K33N/H234Y/E523D/S548K + ++ + ++ 1453/1454 K33N/Q37A/H234Y/I336V/E523D/S548K + ++ + + 1455/1456 Q37A/L46R/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K + ++ ++ ++ 1457/1458 Q37A/I336V + ++ + + 1459/1460 Q37A + ++ + + 1461/1462 Q37A/L46R/I336V/A540R/S548K + + ++ 1463/1464 K33N/Q37A/R56G/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/ + ++ + ++ A540R/S548K 1465/1466 K33N/Q37A/L46R/I336V + ++ + ++ 1467/1468 E523D/S548K + + + + 1469/1470 K33N/Q37A/R56G/H234Y/E523D/A540R/ + ++ + ++ S548K 1471/1472 L46R/R103L/A328Q/I336V/E523D + ++ ++ ++ 1473/1474 K33N/Q37A/Q111K/E523D/A540R + ++ + + 1475/1476 K33N/L46R/R56G/Q111K/S548K + ++ + ++ 1477/1478 K33N/H234Y/A540R/S548K/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1479/1480 Q37A/S548K/G549D + ++ + ++ 1481/1482 K33N/H234Y/E523D/A540R/S548K + ++ ++ ++ 1483/1484 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R56G/Q111K/E523D/ + ++ + ++ A540R 1485/1486 K33N/Q37A/L46R/S548K/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1487/1488 K33N/Q37A/L46R/Q111K/H234Y/A328Q/ + ++ ++ ++ E523D/A540R/S548K 1489/1490 I336V/E523D + ++ + + 1491/1492 K33N/Q37A/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/I336V/ + ++ + ++ A540R/S548K 1493/1494 L46R/H234Y/I336V ++ ++ ++ ++ 1495/1496 K33N/R103L/Q111K/H234Y/A540R/G549D + ++ + ++ 1497/1498 K33N/Q37A/Q111K/H234Y/E523D/A540R/ + ++ + ++ S548K 1499/1500 Q37A/R103L/I336V/S548K/G549D + ++ + ++ 1501/1502 Q37A/H234Y/A328Q/I336V/E523D + ++ + + 1503/1504 K33N/H234Y/A328Q/E523D/A540R/G549D + ++ + ++ 1505/1506 K33N/Q37A/L46R/H234Y/E523D + ++ ++ ++ 1507/1508 K33N/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1509/1510 L46R/R103L/I336V + ++ ++ ++ 1511/1512 K33N/Q37A/L46R/R103L/E523D + ++ ++ ++ 1513/1514 K33N/Q37A/R103L/I336V/E523D/A540R/ + ++ + ++ S548K 1515/1516 Q37A/R56G/I336V/E523D/A540R/S548K + ++ + ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 790. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2

TABLE 10-2 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 790)¹ Amino Acid Differences 2 mM SEQ ID NO: (Relative to SEQ tyr Protease pH 4 (nt/aa) ID NO: 790) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1517/1518 S424A + 1519/1520 M102P +++ + 1521/1522 G417A ++ ++ + 1523/1524 L418V ++ + + 1525/1526 I420L + + + 1527/1528 S402A + ++ + 1529/1530 T391N + ++ + 1531/1532 M392A + + + 1533/1534 L313M ++ + + 1535/1536 L210T ++ ++ + 1537/1538 D530V ++ ++ + 1539/1540 L313I ++ ++ ++ 1541/1542 I74A ++ ++ + 1543/1544 L415F ++ + 1545/1546 R506C + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 790. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2.

Example 11 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 1454

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 1454 for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1454 was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4 with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 11-1, and SEQ ID NO: 1578 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 10. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10, and the results of this assay are shown in Table 11-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer, whereby 50 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 50 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 3.8 for 1.5 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). After incubation, the lysate solutions were briefly centrifuged, and residual activity was determined by adding 40 μL of the acidic buffer-treated lysate to 160 μL of 200 mM sodium phosphate, 2.5 mM tyrosine, pH 7.0, in a 96-well UV-STAR® plate (Greiner Bio-One). The reactions were mixed briefly, and activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 11-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay. After 30 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 30 jut McIlvaine buffer pH 3.8 for 1.5 h at 37° C., 60 μL 4 g/L protease mix dissolved in 200 mM sodium phosphate dibasic was added, and the resulting solution was incubated for 2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10, and the results of this assay are shown in Table 11-1.

TABLE 11-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1454)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 3.8 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1454) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1547/1548 I24T/K44R/G549D ++ ++ + 1549/1550 I24T/L46R/Q111K/R506C + ++ ++ + 1551/1552 I24T/K44R/L46R/L202R/T391N ++ ++ + 1553/1554 Q111K/L202R/L313M/G417A/A540R/G549D + ++ +++ + 1555/1556 K44R/R103L/Q111K/L313M/T391N/A540R ++ ++ + 1557/1558 L313M/T391N/A540R/G549D ++ + 1559/1560 I24T/K44R/L202R/L313M/T391N/A540R ++ ++ + 1561/1562 I24T/L46R/R103L/T391N/R506C ++ ++ + 1563/1564 K44R/L46R/R103L/Q111K/T391N ++ ++ + 1565/1566 Q111K/L202R/T391N ++ ++ + 1567/1568 I24T/K44R/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/R506C + + ++ + 1569/1570 L202R/L313M/T391N/G549D ++ ++ + 1571/1572 L46R/Q111K/R506C + ++ ++ + 1573/1574 L202R/R506C/A540R/G549D + +++ + 1575/1576 R103L/L313M/G549D + + + ++ 1577/1578 I24T/L46R/M102P/L313M/R506C + ++ ++ ++ 1579/1580 I24T/L202R + ++ ++ + 1581/1582 Q111K/L202R/L313M/T391N/R506C + ++ ++ + 1583/1584 I24T/L46R/R103L/Q111K/R464Q/R506C/ + ++ +++ ++ G549D 1585/1586 G417A + ++ + + 1587/1588 L202R/R506C7/A540R + + +++ + 1589/1590 Q111K + ++ + ++ 1591/1592 I24T + ++ + + 1593/1594 I24T/L46R/Q111K/L313M/T391N + ++ + 1595/1596 Q111K/L202R/L313M/T391N/R464Q + ++ ++ + 1597/1598 L46R/R103L/R506C + + +++ + 1599/1600 L202R/G417A/R464Q/A540R/G549D + ++ +++ ++ 1601/1602 K44R/L46R/R103L/L202R/L313M/T391N + ++ ++ ++ 1603/1604 I24T/R103L/L202R + ++ +++ ++ 1605/1606 I24T/L46R/L202R/T391N/R506C ++ + + 1607/1608 I24T/L46R/G549D + ++ +++ ++ 1609/1610 K44R/L46R/R103L/L202R/G417A/R464Q + + ++ + 1611/1612 L46R/L313M/T391N/A540R + ++ ++ + 1613/1614 L46R/L202R/R506C/G549D + +++ + 1615/1616 Q111K/L202R/T391N/A540R ++ ++ + 1617/1618 K44R/Q111K/R464Q/R506C + + ++ + 1619/1620 Q111K/L202R ++ ++ +++ ++ 1621/1622 I24T/K44R + + ++ + 1623/1624 L202R/R464Q/R506C + ++ ++ + 1625/1626 L46R/Q111K/G417A + ++ ++ + 1627/1628 L46R/L202R + ++ +++ ++ 1629/1630 I24T/L46R/Q111K/L313M/G549D + + +++ ++ 1631/1632 Q111K/R464Q/A540R/G549D + ++ + ++ 1633/1634 K44R/L46R/M102P/L202R/L313M/G417A + ++ ++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 1454. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2

Example 12 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 1578

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 1578, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1578 was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 8-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 12-1. Based on the results, SEQ ID NO: 1660 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 10. The residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 12-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer, whereby 70 μL of heat-treated clarified lysate was incubated with 70 μL McIlvaine buffer pH 4 for 1.5 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). The residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 12-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay. Specifically, lysate challenged with acidic buffer as described above was centrifuged, and 50 μL of the supernatant was incubated with 50 μL 4 g/L protease mix dissolved in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8. The resulting solution was incubated for 2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm), and the residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 12-1.

TABLE 12-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1578)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 4 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1578) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1635/1636 D20G/K44R/L202R/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1637/1638 R103L/L202R/A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1639/1640 Q111K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1641/1642 R103L/R464Q/G549D + ++ + ++ 1643/1644 Q111K/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1645/1646 K44R/L202R/R464Q/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1647/1648 R464Q/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1649/1650 Q111K/L202R/M313L/Q471Y/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1651/1652 C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1653/1654 R103L/Q471Y ++ ++ + ++ 1655/1656 M313L/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R + ++ + ++ 1657/1658 L202R/R464Q/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1659/1660 L202R/R464Q/C506R/G549D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1661/1662 R103L/Q111K/Q471Y ++ ++ + ++ 1663/1664 R56G/Q111K/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1665/1666 C506R/G549D + ++ ++ ++ 1667/1668 R103L/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/Q471Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 1669/1670 D20G/L202R/M313L/Q471Y/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1671/1672 L202R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1673/1674 Q111K/L202R/Q471Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 1675/1676 R56G/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1677/1678 K44R/Q111K/L202R/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R/ ++ ++ ++ ++ G549D 1679/1680 D20G/R103L/Q111K/Q471Y/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1681/1682 L202R/M313L/R464Q/Q471Y/C506R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1683/1684 Q111K/L202R/M313L/L316Q ++ ++ + + 1685/1686 T24S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1687/1688 R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1689/1690 Y41L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1691/1692 R464S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1693/1694 A540R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1695/1696 Y41N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1697/1698 R464N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1699/1700 R504L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1701/1702 Y41H ++ ++ + ++ 1703/1704 Q66K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1705/1706 E51H ++ ++ ++ ++ 1707/1708 Q305E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1709/1710 R46S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1711/1712 A59S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1713/1714 K44E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1715/1716 Q66T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1717/1718 T24K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1719/1720 Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1721/1722 Y41S ++ ++ + ++ 1723/1724 K44R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1725/1726 Y41Q ++ ++ + ++ 1727/1728 T48A ++ ++ + + 1729/1730 D523H ++ ++ ++ ++ 1731/1732 Q66N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1733/1734 A36S ++ ++ ++ + 1735/1736 A59N ++ ++ ++ + 1737/1738 K50M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1739/1740 K44S ++ ++ ++ + 1741/1742 A519P ++ ++ ++ ++ 1743/1744 A519E ++ ++ ++ + 1745/1746 D27S ++ ++ ++ + 1747/1748 A36T ++ ++ ++ + 1749/1750 A519K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1751/1752 K44P ++ ++ ++ ++ 1753/1754 T24E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1755/1756 K518S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1757/1758 C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1759/1760 T48G ++ ++ + + 1761/1762 A540H ++ ++ ++ ++ 1763/1764 L208M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1765/1766 Q66H/W528R ++ ++ ++ ++ 1767/1768 T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1769/1770 A519T ++ ++ ++ + 1771/1772 Y41A ++ ++ + ++ 1773/1774 T24Q ++ ++ + ++ 1775/1776 R46A ++ ++ + + 1777/1778 Q55S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1779/1780 E51A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1781/1782 P197V ++ ++ + ++ 1783/1784 N33E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1785/1786 T547M/V553I ++ ++ ++ ++ 1787/1788 P272A ++ ++ ++ ++ 1789/1790 A331G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1791/1792 A543T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1793/1794 A543V ++ ++ ++ ++ 1795/1796 I556L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1797/1798 A555S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1799/1800 Q470I ++ ++ ++ ++ 1801/1802 V559Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 1803/1804 Q289L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1805/1806 K332N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1807/1808 R292L/V553S + ++ + + 1809/1810 Q470T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1811/1812 Y432L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1813/1814 S435T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1815/1816 C506E ++ ++ ++ ++ 1817/1818 V559C ++ ++ ++ ++ 1819/1820 I556V ++ ++ ++ ++ 1821/1822 V559I ++ ++ ++ ++ 1823/1824 V559H ++ ++ ++ ++ 1825/1826 V559M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1827/1828 Y432T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1829/1830 V559L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1831/1832 S312C/V559Y ++ ++ ++ ++ 1833/1834 S435A ++ ++ ++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1578. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; and “++” > 1.2.

Example 13 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 1660

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 1660, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1660 was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 8-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 13-1. Based on the results, SEQ ID NO: 1844 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin, whereby 50 μL of HTP lysate diluted 2 or 2.5-fold was incubated with 50 μL 4 g/L protease mix for 2 h at 37° C., in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). Protease mix consisted of 4 mg/mL chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich) and 4 mg/mL trypsin (Sigma Aldrich) in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8.0. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 13-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 12. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 13-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay, as described in Example 12. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 13-1.

TABLE 13-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1660)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 4 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1660) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1835/1836 A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1837/1838 Q305D/K332N/G457S/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1839/1840 A36S/Q55S/Q305D/K332N/P410M +++ ++ ++ ++ 1841/1842 A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1843/1844 A36S/Q305D/K332N/P410M +++ ++ ++ ++ 1845/1846 A36S/Q305D/P410M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1847/1848 A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M/V559I ++ ++ ++ ++ 1849/1850 Q305D/K332N/P410M +++ ++ ++ ++ 1851/1852 Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1853/1854 A36S/Q66N/P197V/Q305D/K332N/G457S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1855/1856 Q55S/Q305D/K332N/G457S/A543V/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1857/1858 Q66N/Q305D/K332N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1859/1860 A36S/P197V/Q305D/P410M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1861/1862 Q305D/C500L/A543V/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1863/1864 Q305D/K332N/P410M/C500L +++ ++ +++ ++ 1865/1866 P197V/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1867/1868 A36S/Q66N/P197V/Q305D/P410M +++ ++ ++ ++ 1869/1870 A36S/P197V/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1871/1872 A36S/Q66N/Q305D/K332N/P410M +++ ++ +++ ++ 1873/1874 P197V/Q305D/P410M +++ ++ +++ ++ 1875/1876 Q305D/K332N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1877/1878 A36S/P197V/Q305D/C500L ++ +++ ++ ++ 1879/1880 A36S/Q305D/K332N ++ ++ ++ ++ 1881/1882 A36S/Q66N/Q305D/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1883/1884 Q55S/Q305D/C500L/V559I ++ ++ ++ ++ 1885/1886 Q305D/K332N/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1887/1888 P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M +++ ++ ++ ++ 1889/1890 Q305D/P410M +++ ++ +++ ++ 1891/1892 A36S/P197V/Q305D/K332N/P410M/C500L +++ ++ +++ ++ 1893/1894 Q55S/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1895/1896 A36S/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1897/1898 P197V/Q305D/K332N/C500L/A543V/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1899/1900 Q66N/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1901/1902 A36S/Q66N/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1903/1904 P197V/Q305D/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1905/1906 S134C/R202L/Q305D ++ ++ ++ ++ 1907/1908 Q305D/K332N/G457S/A555S ++ ++ ++ + 1909/1910 Q305D/K332N/G457S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1911/1912 P272A/S435T/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1913/1914 L208M/P272A/Y432L ++ ++ ++ + 1915/1916 R46S/Q111K/L208M/P272A/S435T/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1917/1918 Q111K/P272A/Q471Y/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1919/1920 L208M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1921/1922 Q111K/P272A/Y432T/S435T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1923/1924 Y432L/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1925/1926 D20G/P197V/Y432T/A519K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1927/1928 K44E/R46S/Q111K/L208M ++ ++ ++ ++ 1929/1930 Q111K/Y526L ++ + ++ + 1931/1932 Q111K + + + + 1933/1934 S435T + + + + 1935/1936 Q471Y + + + + 1937/1938 R46S/Y432L/Q471Y + + + + 1939/1940 K44E/R46S/Q111K/Y432T/A519K + + + + 1941/1942 Q111K/P272A/A519K + + + + 1943/1944 L208M/P410M/S435T ++ + ++ ++ 1945/1946 Y41L/Y432T/Y526L ++ ++ ++ + 1947/1948 T24E/R46S/P410M/S435T/K518S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1949/1950 D20G ++ ++ ++ ++ 1951/1952 L208M/S435T/A519K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1953/1954 S435T/A519K/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1955/1956 R46S/L208M/P272A/Y432L/S435T/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1957/1958 P272A ++ ++ + ++ 1959/1960 K44E/Q111K/Y432L/A519K/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1961/1962 D20G/K44E/L208M/P272A/A519K + ++ + + 1963/1964 T24E + ++ + + 1965/1966 D20G/Q111K/L208M/P272A/P410M/Y432T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1967/1968 Q111K/Y432T/Y526L ++ ++ ++ +++ 1969/1970 Q471Y/Y526L ++ ++ ++ ++ 1971/1972 A519K ++ ++ ++ ++ 1973/1974 K44E/L208M/Y432T/S435T ++ ++ ++ ++ 1975/1976 S435T/K518S ++ ++ ++ ++ 1977/1978 Q111K/Y432L/S435T ++ ++ + ++ 1979/1980 Y41L/K44E/R46S/Q111K/P272A ++ ++ ++ + 1981/1982 L211Q/P410I + + + + 1983/1984 S298G/P410I ++ ++ ++ + 1985/1986 P410L + + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1660. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2.

Example 14 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 1844

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 1844, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1844 was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 14-1. Based on the results, SEQ ID NO: 2030 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin, whereby 50 μL of HTP lysate diluted 2.5-fold was incubated with 50 μL 4 g/L protease mix for 2 h at 37° C. in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm). Protease mix consisted of 4 mg/mL chymotrypsin (Sigma Aldrich) and 4 mg/mL trypsin (Sigma Aldrich) in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8.0. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 14-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 12. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 14-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay. Specifically, lysate challenged with acidic buffer as described above was centrifuged, and 40 μL of the supernatant was incubated with 60 μL 4 g/L protease mix dissolved in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8. The resulting solution was incubated for 2 h at 37° C., in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm), and residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 14-1.

TABLE 14-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1844)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 4 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 1844) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 1987/1988 Q111K/Q289L +++ +++ ++ +++ 1989/1990 Q289L/R504A +++ +++ ++ +++ 1991/1992 A59S/Q289L/S435T +++ +++ ++ +++ 1993/1994 Q111K/Q289L/C500L +++ +++ ++ +++ 1995/1996 Q111K/Y432L +++ +++ ++ +++ 1997/1998 Q289L/S435T/R504A/I556L +++ +++ ++ +++ 1999/2000 A59S/Q289L +++ +++ ++ +++ 2001/2002 Q111K +++ +++ ++ ++ 2003/2004 Q289L +++ +++ ++ +++ 2005/2006 Q111K/Y432L/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2007/2008 Q289L/S435T/C500L/R504A +++ +++ ++ +++ 2009/2010 A59S/Y432L/S435T/R504A/I556L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2011/2012 A59S/Q66T/Q289L/C500L/R504A/I556L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2013/2014 S435T/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2015/2016 Q289L/Y432L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2017/2018 Q111K/Q289L/S435T/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2019/2020 A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Q289L/Y432L/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2021/2022 A59S/Q111K/Y432L/C500L +++ ++ ++ ++ 2023/2024 T24K/A59S/Q111K/Q289L/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2025/2026 Q66T/Q111K +++ ++ ++ ++ 2027/2028 T24K/Q111K/Q289L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2029/2030 Q289L/Y432L/S435T ++ +++ ++ ++ 2031/2032 T24K/Q289L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2033/2034 T24K/Q111K/Q289L/C500L/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2035/2036 T24K/Q111K/S435T/C500L +++ ++ ++ ++ 2037/2038 R504A/I556L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2039/2040 Q111K/A331G/Y432L/R504A ++ ++ ++ +++ 2041/2042 Q111K/C500L/R504A +++ ++ ++ ++ 2043/2044 Q111K/A331G/S435T/C500L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2045/2046 A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Y432L/C500L +++ ++ ++ ++ 2047/2048 A59S/Q66T/Q111K/Y432L/R504A +++ +++ ++ ++ 2049/2050 T24K/Q111K/Y432L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2051/2052 A59S/Y432L ++ +++ ++ +++ 2053/2054 Q111K/Q289L/S435T ++ +++ ++ ++ 2055/2056 R504A ++ +++ ++ ++ 2057/2058 Q289L/S435T ++ +++ ++ ++ 2059/2060 T24K/Y432L/S435T/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2061/2062 A59S/Q111K ++ +++ ++ ++ 2063/2064 Y432L ++ ++ ++ ++ 2065/2066 L211Q/K518S/A519T/T547G +++ ++ ++ ++ 2067/2068 Y41Q/L208M/T547G +++ ++ ++ ++ 2069/2070 L208M/L211Q/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2071/2072 Y41Q/E51A/M410L/A543V ++ ++ ++ ++ 2073/2074 E51A/A519T ++ ++ ++ ++ 2075/2076 L208M ++ ++ ++ ++ 2077/2078 L211Q/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2079/2080 L211Q ++ ++ ++ ++ 2081/2082 Y41Q/L208M/K518S/A519T/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2083/2084 Y41Q/M410L/K518S/T547G ++ ++ + ++ 2085/2086 T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2087/2088 L208M/L211Q/M410L/A519T ++ ++ ++ ++ 2089/2090 Y41Q/K44P/L208M/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2091/2092 K44R/L208M/K518S/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2093/2094 Y41Q/L208M/M410L/A543V/T547G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2095/2096 Y41Q/M410L/K518S/A543V ++ ++ + ++ 2097/2098 A519T ++ ++ ++ ++ 2099/2100 M410L ++ ++ + ++ 2101/2102 Y41Q/A543V +++ ++ ++ ++ ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1844. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2.

Example 15 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 2030

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 2030, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2030, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 15-1. Based on the results, SEQ ID NO: 2114 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 14. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 15-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 12, with the exception that lysate was incubated with McIlvaine buffer, pH 3.8. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 15-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay. Specifically, lysate challenged with acidic buffer as described above was centrifuged, and 50 μL of the supernatant was incubated with 50 μL 4 g/L pancreatin dissolved in 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8. The resulting solution was incubated for 2 h at 37° C., in a THERMOTRON® (INFORS) titre-plate shaker (400 rpm), and residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 15-1.

TABLE 15-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2030)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 3.8 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2030) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 2103/2104 A45V/L244M/A324V/K513R + ++ + + 2105/2106 A45V/L436I/I512V/K513R + ++ + + 2107/2108 K13Q/A45V/I512V + ++ + + 2109/2110 K13S/V22T/A45V/I512V + ++ + + 2111/2112 K13S/A45V + ++ + + 2113/2114 A45V/1512V + ++ + + 2115/2116 Q8D ++ ++ + + 2117/2118 L428V ++ ++ + + 2119/2120 T11G + ++ + + 2121/2122 A4D ++ ++ + + 2123/2124 A45V + ++ + + 2125/2126 T17Q + ++ + + 2127/2128 L251V + ++ + + 2129/2130 T11D ++ ++ + ++ 2131/2132 K13R + ++ + + 2133/2134 T11A + ++ + + 2135/2136 T11S + ++ + + 2137/2138 Q8R ++ ++ + + 2139/2140 T11K + + + + 2141/2142 V341A + + + + 2143/2144 S19H + + + + 2145/2146 A324R + + + + 2147/2148 Q8G + + + + 2149/2150 I144L + + 2151/2152 I327M + + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2030. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; and “++” > 1.2.

Example 16 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 2114

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 2114, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2114, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4, with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 16-1. Based on the results, SEQ ID NO: 2156 was selected for further directed evolution.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 15. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 16-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 15. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 16-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay as described in Example 15, and residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 16-1.

TABLE 16-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2114)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 3.8 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2114) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 2153/2154 Q8D/T11D/Q111K/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2155/2156 Q8D/T11D/T17Q/V22T/A324V/R504A/ ++ ++ ++ ++ A519T 2157/2158 A4D ++ ++ ++ ++ 2159/2160 A4D/L428V ++ ++ ++ ++ 2161/2162 A4D/Q8R/T11D/K13R/V22T/Q111K/ ++ ++ ++ ++ R504A 2163/2164 A4D/A324V ++ ++ ++ ++ 2165/2166 T11D/T17Q/V22T/A324V ++ ++ ++ ++ 2167/2168 A4D/Q8D/T11G/T17P/A324V/L428V/ ++ ++ ++ ++ R504A 2169/2170 A4D/Q8D/V22T/Q111K/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2171/2172 A4D/T17Q/A241S/A519T/T547A ++ ++ + ++ 2173/2174 T11G/K13R/R504A ++ ++ ++ ++ 2175/2176 Q8D/T11D/K13R/A324V ++ ++ ++ ++ 2177/2178 A4D/Q8R/T11D/V22T/Q111K ++ ++ ++ ++ 2179/2180 A236V ++ ++ + + 2181/2182 I228M ++ ++ + + 2183/2184 H16Q ++ ++ + ++ 2185/2186 T437G ++ ++ + ++ 2187/2188 F10G ++ ++ ++ ++ 2189/2190 L316T + ++ 2191/2192 I2T ++ ++ ++ ++ 2193/2194 I228M/Q259H ++ ++ + + 2195/2196 D305E/I307N/I425V ++ ++ + + 2197/2198 V385A ++ ++ + ++ 2199/2200 T7Q ++ ++ + + 2201/2202 I2G ++ ++ + + 2203/2204 T430E + ++ + + 2205/2206 M478L + ++ + + 2207/2208 Q6G ++ ++ + + 2209/2210 V57I ++ ++ + + 2211/2212 A39S ++ ++ + + 2213/2214 I425V ++ ++ + + 2215/2216 H16T ++ + + + 2217/2218 T505S + + + + 2219/2220 S14G ++ + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2114. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; “++” > 1.2; and “+++” > 2.

Example 17 TAL Variants of SEQ ID NO: 2156

In this Example, experiments for evolution and screening of TAL variants derived from SEQ ID NO: 2156, for improved tyrosine activity, protease resistance, and low pH tolerance are described. Directed evolution of the TAL encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2156, was carried out by constructing libraries of variant genes. These libraries were then plated, grown, and screened using the methods described below.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates

HTP growth and lysis of E. coli cells expressing TAL variants were performed as described in Example 4. TAL variant activity on tyrosine was assayed as described in Example 4 with the following conditions: 20 μL of HTP lysate diluted 10-fold in water was assayed with 2.2 mM tyrosine for 5 min. The results of the assays are shown in Table 17-1.

HTP Activity Analysis of Clarified Lysates Pretreated with Protease and/or Acidic Buffer

TAL variants were challenged with chymotrypsin and trypsin as described in Example 15. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 17-1.

TAL variants were challenged with acidic buffer as described in Example 15. Residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 17-1.

In some instances, acidic buffer-treated lysate was further challenged with protease in a combined pH and protease assay as described in Example 15, and residual activity was determined as described in Example 10. The results of this assay are shown in Table 17-1.

TABLE 17-1 Relative Activity of TAL Variants on Tyrosine Under Various Conditions (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2156)¹ 2 mM Combined pH SEQ ID NO: Amino Acid Differences Tyr Protease pH 3.8 and Protease (nt/aa) (Relative to SEQ ID NO: 2156) FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC FIOPC 2221/2222 Q111K/M478L + + + 2223/2224 A241S/V385A/M478L + + 2225/2226 H16Q/V57I + + + 2227/2228 V57I/Q111K/P114S + + + + 2229/2230 T437G + + + 2231/2232 H16Q/V385A/M478L/T547G + + 2233/2234 A241S/V385A/M478L/T547G + + 2235/2236 H16Q/V385A/T437G + ++ + + 2237/2238 Q111K/A241S/T437G/M478L + + + + 2239/2240 A241S/V385A + ++ + + 2241/2242 D20G/V385A/T437G/M478L/T547G + ++ + 2243/2244 V57I + + + + 2245/2246 V385A + ++ + + 2247/2248 V385A/T437G/M478L/T547G + + + 2249/2250 H16Q/A241S/T437G + ++ + + 2251/2252 H16Q ++ ++ + + 2253/2254 A241S/T437G + ++ + + 2255/2256 V57I/T437G + + + + 2257/2258 H16Q/V385A + ++ + + 2259/2260 T437G/M478L + + + + 2261/2262 A4D/H16Q/V385A/M478L + ++ + + 2263/2264 A4D/V57I/Q111K/T437G ++ ++ + + 2265/2266 Q111K/P114S/R202L/Y234H/L289Q/ + + + + D305Q/M313L/V324A/N332K/V336I/ M410P/L432Y/T435S/Q464R/A504R/ V512I/T519A/D523E/K548S/D549G 2267/2268 H16Q/Y41Q/T437G ++ + + + 2269/2270 F10G/H16Q/T437G + + + + 2271/2272 A4D/T7Q/V57I/Q111K ++ ++ + ++ 2273/2274 T7Q/V385A/T547G + + + + 2275/2276 H16Q/Y41Q/V57I/T437G/M478L + + + 2277/2278 M478L + + + + 2279/2280 A241S ++ + + + 2281/2282 H16Q/Y41Q/V57I/Q111K/V385A/T547G + + + 2283/2284 H16Q/T437G + + + + 2285/2286 A4D/T7Q/Q111K/P114S/T437G/T547G + + + + 2287/2288 V57I/Q111K/M478L/T547G + + + + 2289/2290 V385A/T437G + + + + ¹All activities were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2156. Levels of increased activity are defined as follows: ““+”” = 0.9 to 1.2; and “++” > 1.2.

While the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted to adapt to a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, thereby achieving benefits of the invention without departing from the scope of what is claimed.

For all purposes in the United States of America, each and every publication and patent document cited in this disclosure is incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication or document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Citation of publications and patent documents is not intended as an indication that any such document is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute an admission as to its contents or date. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A recombinant polynucleotide encoding a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase comprising an amino acid sequence comprising at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2114, wherein said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase further comprises a substitution at position 305, and wherein the positions correspond to SEQ ID NO: 2114, further wherein said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase is suitable for use in treatment of tyrosinemia.
 2. The recombinant polynucleotide sequence encoding a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase of claim 1, wherein said tyrosine ammonia lyase further comprises at least one substitution in at least one position or set of positions selected from 2, 4, 4/8/11/13/22/111/504, 4/8/11/17/324/428/504, 4/8/11/22/111, 4/8/22/111/504, 4/17/241/519/547, 4/324, 4/428, 6, 7, 8/11/13/324, 8/11/17/22/324/504/519, 8/11/111/504, 10, 11/13/504, 11/17/22/324, 14, 16, 39, 57, 228, 228/259, 236, 305/307/425, 316, 385, 425, 430, 437, 478, and 505, wherein the positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:
 2114. 3. The recombinant polynucleotide sequence encoding a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase of claim 1, wherein said recombinant polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence comprising at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 2113. 4. The recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim 1, wherein said polynucleotide sequence is codon-optimized.
 5. The recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim 2, wherein said polynucleotide sequence is codon-optimized.
 6. The recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim 3, wherein said polynucleotide sequence is codon-optimized.
 7. An expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim
 1. 8. An expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim
 2. 9. An expression vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide sequence of claim
 3. 10. The expression vector of claim 7, wherein said recombinant polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to at least one control sequence.
 11. The expression vector of claim 8, wherein said recombinant polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to at least one control sequence.
 12. The expression vector of claim 9, wherein said recombinant polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to at least one control sequence.
 13. The expression vector of claim 10, wherein said control sequence is a promoter.
 14. The expression vector of claim 11, wherein said control sequence is a promoter.
 15. The expression vector of claim 12, wherein said control sequence is a promoter.
 16. The expression vector of claim 13, wherein said promoter is a heterologous promoter.
 17. The expression vector of claim 14, wherein said promoter is a heterologous promoter.
 18. The expression vector of claim 15, wherein said promoter is a heterologous promoter.
 19. A host cell comprising the expression vector of claim
 7. 20. A host cell comprising the expression vector of claim
 8. 21. A host cell comprising the expression vector of claim
 9. 22. The host cell of claim 19, wherein said host cell is selected from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 23. The host cell of claim 20, wherein said host cell is selected from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 24. The host cell of claim 21, wherein said host cell is selected from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 25. A method of producing a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase, comprising culturing said host cell of claim 19, under conditions that said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase encoded by said recombinant polynucleotide is produced.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of recovering said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of purifying said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.
 28. A method of producing a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase, comprising culturing said host cell of claim 20, under conditions that said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase encoded by said recombinant polynucleotide is produced.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of recovering said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of purifying said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.
 31. A method of producing a recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase, comprising culturing said host cell of claim 21, under conditions that said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase encoded by said recombinant polynucleotide is produced.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of recovering said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of purifying said recombinant tyrosine ammonia lyase. 